In psychology, memory is an organism’s capability to store, maintain, and subsequently retrieve the same information. Typically, the classifications of memory used are the sensory, short-term and long-term memories. The first two classes are only accessible for a short period of time compared to long-term memory which could last for a life-time. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of our short-term memories are transformed into long term ones, which means that we forget a lot of the things that happen in our lives.
The storage process for the brain experiences an incident in which connections between neuron groups are strengthened. Its patterns are recorded by the brain in an occurrence called the “engram”. These engrams will be stored and will remain inactive until they are retrieved. This helps you remember more experiences, but it also facilitates erroneous retrieval of information. The major factor that would affect memory storage would be the time period; the past is constantly replaced by the latest occurrences and engrams that are not recalled are just slipping away from your memory. Enhancing memory by converting information into long-term-memory can be accomplished by linking it into something that is in the memory.
One of the most popular techniques in improving memory is the use of mnemonics. This is usually done by making associations between something that is easily remembered and something that is not. This is one of the best-known memory techniques and it will not only help you remember pretty much anything, it will also help you improve your memory gradually as your brain becomes accustomed to remember new facts.
Another method would be to gather all the initial letters from the list to be memorized, and then make a single word out of it. Sometimes the word formed can be directly or indirectly related to the information aimed but it could also be unrelated at some instances, depending on the situation.
A common example of mnemonics is:
Researchers state that increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain is a good way of developing a better memory. The best way to achieve this is by undergoing proper and regular exercise. Stress should also be lessened, as well as depression. Sufficient sleeping time should also be done. A better memory can also be achieved if the individual undergoes constant intellectual activities like reading. Keeping the brain healthy will certainly help in reducing memory loss and enhances ones memory retrieval.
The best way to improve your memory besides doing mnemonics is by practicing constantly. The more you see, hear or think about something the more likely you are to remember it. This is known as repetition, and it's an effective way to learn something such as a series of numbers.
Try to remember the number 72. Chances are that if I ask you in a couple of weeks what the number was, you might have forgotten. This doesn't have to be that way. Tell a poker player what he thinks when they tell him "7-2" and he will think about the worst starting Texas Hold'em hand. He will never forget that number because he has linked it to something that he's fairly familiar with. Ask a soccer player what he thinks when you tell him "7-2" and he will see a score. He won't forget that score very easily.
You can take advantage of this technique fairly easily if you start linking numbers to concepts and ideas that are familiar to you.
Written by: Joaquin de la Sierra
