How to Memorize the Alphabet Backwards

As people age, their memory begins to fail. One way to keep your memory sharp is through brain exercises. Memorizing the alphabet backwards will help your mind and impress your friends at parties.

Instructions

1. Write the alphabet in order on a piece of paper.

2. Assign a name to each letter beginning with "z". For instance, use the words, Zach, Yasmine, Xavier, William, Victor and so on.

3. Repeat the names from the list in reverse alphabetical order. Speak out loud to help you remember the names more easily. Perform this act at least 10 to 15 times a day.

4. Continue to repeat the names out loud for several days, or until you can recite them from memory quickly and without fail. Eventually, you will have the names memorized so well that you will be able to recite them in your head. The next step is reciting the names in your head and speaking the first letter of each out loud.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a friend to quiz you to help you learn the reverse alphabet more quickly.

• Memorize the names associated with each letters into two groups of 10 and one of six. You will memorize them more quickly if they are broken up into smaller groups.

References

• Braingle: Memory: Learning the Alphabet Backwards
• Helping Psychology: Improve Your Memory With Mental Exercises; May 2010
• WebMD: Is Your Memory Normal?; Cherie Berkley