Being forgetful is a trait that is human and isn’t out of the ordinary. However, regardless of age, one’s memory muscle can be exercised to help with retrieving information. This is in no way aimed at disputing the medical conditions that can plague the mind into oblivion.

Each day we are inundated with so much information. From what is happening around the world to those in your locality, social media, work, family, personal life, books you have read, articles, and so on. The dissipation of data is at an all-time high, and committing all of these to memory can be mind-boggling. Hence the need to memorize lots of information faster and to be able to recall them where relevant.

However, committing to memory goes past what we typically do when studying for an exam, which dwells on repetition. On the other hand, the ability to recall is tied to strengthening one’s memory. Being that we all learn in different ways, recalling poses a challenge, especially when you aren’t actively listening. In this article, you will learn strategies to help you recall information faster.

What strategy works for you?

Before we delve into these memory aid techniques, let us look at the various types of learners. But, first, you must know the learning strategy that works for you to align with it:

• Auditory Learner – Learn better through listening.
• Experiential Learner – Learn through material experiments, events, and experiences.
• Visual Learner – A learner whose strength lies in learning through sight.

While you may find people who dominate a particular learning trait, some people have a blend of two. Once you can identify where you fall under, memorization becomes less strenuous. Now, let’s take a look at the tips.

Tips to help with memorization

1. Pay attention:

Yes, you’ve been attentive previously, and the results are the same. Now you are going to practice active listening. This is not just tied to auditory skills; it is also visual. In this case, you need to be prepared. Be in an environment that discourages any form of distraction and find that you will recall information learned in this way faster, and it stays with you for longer.

2. Nootropic supplements:

These are natural supplements or drugs used to boost the creativity, memory, and general function of the brain of healthy people. Research has proven that the regular intake of a nootropic/brain supplement can mitigate memory decline as you age. Some nootropic supplements are fish oils, resveratrol, caffeine, creatine, Ginkgo Biloba, Phosphatidylserine, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Not only do these supplements aid memory function, but they also help with focus and concentration.

3. Eat memory-enhancing foods:

memoCertain food types are known to aid the strengthening of one’s memory. This category includes fatty fish, dark chocolate, eggs, nuts, coffee, blueberries, green tea, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, oranges, etc. If you want your brain to do better, you must be committed to feeding it.

4. Brain Gym:

This has to do with movement done to activate brain function. Brain Gym is of different types, and all are geared towards improving all brain areas to help them function adequately. Your ability to adopt these physical movements can help exercise those brain muscles.

5. Write things down:

For many people, this may seem tasking, but it helps to note that there is only so much that one can recall without committing them to paper. There is a correlation between what we write down and how much information we remember via this means. Apart from this, when you write things down, it is easier to go back to it, to refresh your memory on all or some of the information needed.

6. Sleep:

Do not let motivational speakers or anyone make you feel like you are wrong when you sleep for at least six to seven hours daily. You aren’t lazy when you get adequate sleep. When you sleep well, you allow your brain to rest and sharpen its strength, resulting in a stronger memory.

7. Teach:

Truly, when you teach another, you learn twice. So try this, for everything you want to commit to memory long term, find someone who can benefit from that information and share it with them. When you do this, you will find that your memory holds on to that information for longer.

Whatever stage you are in your life, the role you play at work, or school, even with domestic needs, memory plays an important role in your life. A well-exercised memory sets you apart and helps you stay on top of your game.