Memories are senses, basically. They are what you recall from the past. When this recall fails, however, you need memory exercises to improve this sense.
So, letโs take a closer look at memory. This recall requires us to store andย retain informationย in order to bring it back when needed. On definition by Margaret W. Matlin, cognitive psychologist, is simply, โthe process of retaining information over time.โ This is just what it is in simple terms.
However, without memories, we wouldnโt be able to do the simplest tasks because we would forget how to perform these things. Thatโs why itโs important to use memory exercises to make improvements.
How to Improve Your Memory with Brain Exercises
Itโs true, over time, our brains lose some of the ability to recall certain places and things. This is largely due to aging or other contributors. Just like we exercise for our muscles, we should improve our memory through exercises as well. Itโs all about brain health and tips that can prevent the onset of diseases such as Alzheimers or Dementia.
Letโs examine a few exercises we can use to improve the memory:
1. Counting
Counting has always been a good way to exerciseย your cognitive abilities. Since this is true, you can try to count for 5-10 minutes when you first wake up. Start by counting backward from 100 to 1, but do this as fast as you can. Remember to keep this consistent, from one day to the next.ย This is a great startย for memory advances through exercises.
2. The Alphabet
As with numbers,ย you can also focus on letters too.ย Start a gameย by thinking of each letter of the alphabet. Now, from A-Z think of a word which starts with these letters. Do this in order and as fast as you can. Also, keep a steady pace to help you concentrate on what youโre doing.
3. Names
This may seem silly but it does improve your ability to recall things in a speedy manner. Write down 20 male and 20 female names. Or, you can try to recall those names once again after thinking of them. Thisย provides extra exerciseย for your mind. You can findย names in books, then close the books and try to recall those names and the role they played in the story. These are both great memories with great exercises.
4. The grocery list
Write a list of foods you wish to buy at the grocery store. Try to think of things with complicated names or maybe something you usually donโt buy. When you go to the grocery store, try to find the products from the list. If you fail, itโs okay because you will have the list in your pocket just in case.
5. Take a cooking class
Cooking takes a great deal of memory you can exercise. For instance, if youโve never cooked a cake before, you will have to use directions. After a while, you may be able to cook from memory. This means these cookingย exercises are actually working. This also works for things like music or art lessons. Theseย creative endeavorsย exercise your brain in general.
6. Maps from memory
After visiting a location, try to draw a map of where youโve been. Itโs okay if you get some of it wrong. Itโs the memory with the exercise that matters most. If you notice you remember some things, thatโs a start. Try it again on your next trip and see if your memory improves.
7. Daily memories
When you go to bed, try toย remember all the details of the day. This helps work those brain muscles and get them ready for the following day. Over time, as you practice this exercise, you will notice an improvement in your ability to recall things. This simple exercise will do wonders forย your memory.
8. Make associations
You can try to memorize events by giving them associations. For example, while reading, imagine walking down the street. Each word is a part of this street. So placing facts/words on the route you usually take to go to a supermarket, you can easily memorize them. Each timeย memorizing new information, take a new route. This technique is calledย memory palaceย and is one of the most effective ones.
Memories are whatโs left after everything is gone
The reason whyย Alzheimers and Dementiaย are so devastating is that they take away the rest of what we have left. They take away memories of loved ones and adventures weโve had in life.
This is one of the most important reasons why memory exercises should be a part of our daily lives. We should pair these with pictures, journals, and recordings as well. This is just to add more to our ability to recall our lives.
The point is to enjoy memory training, as well as realizing its necessity. So next time you wonโt find it difficult to remember the title of the movie you just watched yesterday.
You will also stop forgetting what your books are about and putting a name to a face when youโre out in public. Our memories can be improved, it just takes a few consistent memory exercises to do the trick.
Do you know any similar exercises you would like to share? Feel free to leave them in the comments.
References:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu
- https://www.livescience.com
