How to Improve a Memory to Enhance Study Skills

Many of us suffer from memory problems, whether it's short-term memory blips such as misplacing the house keys or forgetting longer-term information like someone's name. When it comes to studying, few tools are as powerful or effective as a robust memory. If your own faulty memory is jeopardizing your studies, don't stress. The steps below can help you strengthen your brain's capacity to memorize information.

Things You'll Need

• Study material
• Crossword puzzles or other brain teasers
• Herbal supplements
• Healthy foods

Instructions

1. Create a workout routine for your brain by doing activities that stimulate mental functioning. Activities such as learning a new language or musical instrument or completing a crossword puzzle can boost your brain's readiness to memorize.

2. Conjure up memorable, vivid images when studying new information so that your brain will better retain the main ideas. For example, if you want to remember that "coache" means "car" in Spanish, you might imagine a baseball coach standing on top of a car.

3. Repeat important information (out loud, in writing, to yourself) multiple times until you have no trouble remembering it. The more you think about, hear, or see something, the more it will stick.

4. Eat foods with antioxidants such as blueberries, broccoli, and spinach, plus foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseed, walnuts, and salmon. These types of nutrients appear to make for healthier brain functioning.

5. Try the natural supplements vitamin E, thiamine and vitamin B-6, which are all said to promote mental functioning.

6. Keep your stress levels down by practicing breathing, yoga or other calming activities. If you suffer from chronic stress, see a doctor as soon as possible. Regular stress wears down the brain's ability to remember.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a good night's sleep as often as possible, as this has a significant impact on the brain's short-term and long-term memory. Commit yourself to memorizing new information on a regular basis, even if you struggle to retain the information at first. When it comes to training your memory, practice makes perfect.

• Consult with a medical professional if you notice a sudden or extreme decline in your memory, as it could be a sign of a serious disorder. Avoid drinking alcohol excessively (more than three or four drinks in one sitting), as this harmful habit has been proven to reduce the brain's short-term memory capabilities. Not all herbal supplements that claim to improve memory are actually effective. While some may indeed help your brain functioning, there is no proven evidence to support these claims.

Resources

• This MindTools.com webpage provides helpful memory improvement methods.
• This page gives background info on memory plus memory enhancement suggestions.