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Poll

"I Can't Recall"

 

 

Boost your memory with these simple techniques.


Normally our memory does its job without us having to think about it, but if you've ever been in a parking lot and can't remember where you parked your car, you probably wish it worked a little better.  Never fear, tools are here to keep your memory in tip top shape.

Technique 1: Paying Attention
Think of this as a flashlight that focuses on what  you want to remember.  Generally the biggest problem for people regarding their memory is that they aren't paying attention to the information they need to remember.  Attention is the gateway to your memory and it fixes things in your memory.  Your focus helps burn things into your memory and it moves information from temporary storage to permanent storage.  Without sufficient attention you may be able to remember something for a moment, but then it evaporates. 

A big barrier to paying proper attention is multitasking.  You may feel like you're paying attention to many things at once, but you're really not.  You're still just doing one thing at a time, you're just juggling them quickly.

Technique 2: Organization
Organization is critical for memory.  Most differences in peoples' ability to remember lies in how they organize memories, not because of any differences in how well their brains can actually remember. Organizing memories involves putting them in meaningful categories.  It gives you a way to file the memories as  you're learning them and find them again when you need them.   A really good organization system may also help pack memories together, so your memories become bundled.  This makes them much easier to remember and move around inside your head.

Technique 3: Making Connections
We normally have many connections already in our memories, but you may have to or may want to make new ones.  These connections are useful because they make memories stronger and more permanent.  Think of it this way, a single memory is isolated and can easily be forgotten.  If that memory is linked with others the entire network becomes stronger ad easier to navigate.  Connections are also very critical to our everyday thinking, problem solving and creativity.  They are what allow us to connect the dots inside our heads, which is what we do to think.  The more connections we have, the better we are at thinking.


Technique 4: Sharpening Your Intelligent Memory
Intelligent memory is the automatic, unconscious, lightening-fast memory we have that generally helps us connect the dots in our heads.  It's essential for smart, quick thinking.  Even though this tool is largely unconscious you can sharpen it by thinking through what you have to do slowly and deliberately.  It's like learning to drive or play golf.  Work on each step to get it right and you'll be rewarded with a better skill set.


Technique 5: Having A Plan
Have a blueprint for how you're going to use your memory.  If you're going to face a challenge like going into a meeting where you'll need to remember everyone's name, you may want to plan ahead to make it easier.  Review the list of people that are going to be there ahead of time.  Sometimes the best way to remember something is to not have to remember it at all.  If you can, write it down!  The worst pen is still better than the best memory.

Source: www.aarp.org