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, let’s take a closer look at memory. This recall requires us to store and retain information in order to bring it back when needed. On definition by Margaret W. Matlin, cognitive psychologist, is simply, “the process of retaining information over time.” This is just what it is in simple terms.
However, without memories, we wouldn’t be able to do the simplest tasks because we would forget how to perform these things. That’s why it’s important to use memory exercises to make improvements.
How to Improve Your Memory with Brain Exercises
It’s 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. It’s all about brain health and tips that can prevent the onset of diseases such as Alzheimers or Dementia.
Let’s examine a few exercises we can use to improve the memory:
1. Counting
Counting has always been a good way to exercise 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. This is a great start for memory advances through exercises.
2. The Alphabet
As with numbers, you can also focus on letters too. Start a game 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 you’re 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. This provides extra exercise for your mind. You can find 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 don’t buy. When you go to the grocery store, try to find the products from the list. If you fail, it’s 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 you’ve 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 cooking exercises are actually working. This also works for things like music or art lessons. These creative endeavors exercise your brain in general.
6. Maps from memory
After visiting a location, try to draw a map of where you’ve been. It’s okay if you get some of it wrong. It’s the memory with the exercise that matters most. If you notice you remember some things, that’s a start. Try it again on your next trip and see if your memory improves.
7. Daily memories
When you go to bed, try to 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 for 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 time memorizing new information, take a new route. This technique is called memory palace and is one of the most effective ones.
Memories are what’s left after everything is gone
The reason why Alzheimers and Dementia are so devastating is that they take away the rest of what we have left. They take away memories of loved ones and adventures we’ve 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 won’t 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 you’re 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
