Human memory is a truly amazing phenomenon. It is always a source of wonder that seemingly insignificant occurrences may create lasting memories for one person while other people cannot even recall details of major events in their life. There are many factors that influence this apparent disparity.
It is sometimes said that a healthy brain never forgets anything. Unless affected by injury or disease the brain never loses anything. Forgetting something is actually a result of:
1. Not storing the facts properly in the first place.
2. Failure to store the facts in a manner in which they can be recalled.
3. Inability to recall facts at the time although they are still safely recorded in the brain. Who among us has not had the experience of "forgetting" something only to have it pop into consciousness at the most unlikely time?
Problem 1 can be overcome by concentration. If one is distracted and does not store facts to start with then there is very little chance of recalling them later. Memory has two phases - Short Term and Long Term Memory.
It is believed that up to 50 percent of information we receive is lost almost immediately and a further 20 percent vanishes within 24 hours. An example would be a telephone number or other ten digit number. Unless a special effort is made its gone almost instantly. Some of these short term memories go on to become long term memories.
For instance your best friend's phone number would have started out as a short term memory but has now become part of long term memory and can be readily recalled several years later. Scientists are still uncertain as to the exact reasons why some facts are lost while others go on to create lasting memories.
However, it is safe to assume that some special importance is attached to that information for one reason or another. In the world of information overload we live in there are constant distractions and information competing for attention. Chances of recalling facts are significantly improved by paying attention to those that we need to remember later.
There are several techniques that can be used to ensure sufficient attention to important facts. The most common among them would be repetition. Most of us would probably recall having learnt our multiplication tables in this way.
Writing notes and personalizing the facts ie. writing ideas in one's own words also helps. However, it is important not to fall into the trap of relying on notes as a substitute for remembering. Notes should be used to reinforce a memory not as an alternative to it.
Writing down facts surrounding and supporting an idea as well as the theory and methodology leading up to certain facts also help in recall. Complex mathematical formulae would be an example. Formulae comprised of abstract symbols and numbers can usually be quite hard to recall on their own.
However, if one commits to memory the principles from which the formula is derived the symbols often become a lot easier to recall. Understanding the concepts behind the final outcome makes things less fuzzy.
The fuzzier things are the harder they are to remember. Breaking down facts into manageable chunks to concentrate on helps immensely as well as there is a limit on how much information can be assimilated at a given time.
Avoiding distractions is another important consideration in ensuring that the facts are stored right - it is a lot harder replace incorrect information than it is to store it right in the first place.
Problems 2 and 3 are closely connected to how we recall information. Memories are made by creating connections - connections with experiences through all our senses. Perhaps you have had the experience of a smell or sound triggering a memory of long ago.
The more connections we create the better the chances of recall. This is why mnemonics are commonly used as an aid to memory. The more ridiculous or unusual the association the more likely it is to be recalled rather than fade into insignificance among the millions of other connections.
Using mental pegs is another technique that works very well. Associate facts with unusual images or rhymes. For instance to remember names and faces one may look at a prominent facial feature, create an exaggerated version of it and connect it with the name. Say Leon with rather long hair may become a mental image of a Lion with a mane. Lion then quickly converts to Leon making it a lot easier than simply trying to recall the name of the guy with long hair!
Unfortunately as we age our brains begin to degenerate and memory deteriorates along with it. There are 4 main reasons for this degeneration.
1. Reduction in Neurotransmitters, especially acetylcholine causes decline in brain function.
2. Reduced blood circulation. The brain uses a significant proportion of all blood. Any impediment to blood flow therefore has a huge impact on brain function.
3. Effects of Cortisol. As a response to stresses cortisol is produced in the brain which damages the cells in the Hippocampus. The Hippocampus is instrumental in converting short term memories to long term ones. The damage in the hippocampus also triggers further production of cortisol setting off a ever increasing cycle of cell damage.
4. Free radical damage. Free radicals are atoms that have an electron imbalance and are constantly seeking to steal an electron to make itself whole. This process of stealing electrons from cells causes cell damage. Brain cells are no exception and brain cell damage also occurs due to free radical activity.
There are many common sense approaches to limiting and preventing brain degeneration:
* Proper diet - limit intake of salt cholesterol and fat while eating plenty of fresh fruits and foods high in antioxidants.
* Regular Exercise - avoid becoming overweight.
* Control Blood pressure
* Control and limit stress
* Limiting alcohol intake and not smoking helps reduce free radical damage.
* Increase intake of Omega 3 fatty acids - found in large quantities in fish -helps combat free radical damage.
* Avoid even minor head trauma - When engaging in activities which could result in jarring of the brain use adequate protection. Regular jarring, even minor levels has been connected with higher incidence of dementia.
There are also several not so obvious strategies that have emerged from recent studies into the brain.
Depression can affect the way the brain processes information and retrieves it. Therefore avoiding or minimizing depression can positively impact on brain function in later years. Socializing and involvement with family and community activities is recommended.
Mental exercise. "Use it or lose it". Stimulating your brain with mental exercises such as crossword puzzles, board games or even taking up a new hobby or learning a musical instrument has been shown to increase the number of brain cells and connections between brain cells. These activities improve what is known as "Brain Plasticity".
Certain drugs such as aspirin and anti-inflammatories as well as cholesterol reducing drugs in the "Statin" group are also believed to deter the onset of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Herbal supplements such as Gingko Biloba which is credited with improving blood circulation may also help.
While aging and its consequences cannot be halted it is clear that there is much that can be done to improve brain health and memory.
To Improve Memory Power
And the most important thing you can do for your memory is to believe in it. You can accomplish this primarily by making only positive statements about your memory and your mind. This means you will have to dispel some current and very strong negative myths about memory and aging.
Don't Buy The Program
How often do you hear (or say) something like, "My memory is not what it used to be," "I'm having a senior moment," or "I don't remember, I must be getting old." These and similar statements are made when someone is having trouble recalling a specific name or piece of information. Yet there are many very good reasons for that, which have nothing to do with getting older or becoming a "senior."
In contrast to the above, how often do you say (or hear) statements like, "I have an excellent memory," "My mind is getting sharper everyday," or "My memory works very well for me." I find it odd that these kinds of positive statements are a little embarrassing and perhaps feel a little socially inappropriate, while the negative and self-deprecating statements are very likely to bring a knowing laugh from listeners.
To improve your memory, you're going to have to break some rules and risk being different. If you want to "fit in," you'll have to join in the popular game of being negative about your memory. However, if it's too embarrassing or socially awkward to be positive about yourself, you probably won't do it. So what you need are some skills you can begin practicing right now to make your mind work extremely well for you.
The Best And Most Important Memory Skill
When you don't remember something, simply say, "It will come to me." If you're alone, you can say it to yourself, either silently or out loud. When you're around other people, you might add, "It's not coming to me right now. It will come to me." Variations would be, "I'll get it in a minute," or "I'll recall that soon."
Forgetting is not permanent. It is simply temporary blocking to what you're trying to remember. It happens when you're tired, stressed, distracted, or just have a lot on your mind. It seems to happen more as we get older, but that's simply because the longer we live, the more information there is to sort through.
You can keep those memory blocks in place by saying things like, "I forgot." "I can't remember." "I can't believe I don't remember that." "What is wrong with my memory?" or "I must be losing my memory." All of these statements send a message to your subconscious mind to keep the memory blocks in place. When you say, "It will come to me," you are telling your subconscious mind to access the information and give it to you.
Then you have to "get out of the way," meaning you have to shift your focus to something else. After saying "It will come to me," continue the conversation or make a relaxed change of subject. The more relaxed and at ease you are, the more quickly you will access the information you were trying to recall.
Imagine for a moment that everything that has ever happened to you is stored in a large room in the back of your mind. This is your memory bank. Now imagine that there is a friendly, cooperative little guy sitting at a desk at the door to the large room. He is listening to everything you think and say about your memory and your mind. When you say "It will come to me," he jumps up and quickly retrieves the information you are trying to remember. When you say, "I can't remember," "I forgot," or "I'm having a senior moment" he takes a nap and keeps the door closed to the room with all of the information.
If you decide that you have a brilliant mind and a fantastic memory, he starts working out every day and getting in really good shape. That way when you need information he can sprint at light speed to access it for you. You want him to be a Goodfinder!
Remembering Names
If you don't remember someone's name, just smile to yourself and say, "It will come to me," and focus on something else. If it doesn't come to you in time, and you're on the spot to make an introduction, just smile and say, "Please tell me your name again," with no apologies. Most people will be very gracious in these situations. The more natural and easy you are with all of this, the better you will feel and the better your memory will work for you.
When you're preparing to attend a social event or business meeting, just picture yourself having a really good time. Look forward to the event, with the expectation that you will be comfortable socially and remember the names you need to. This will prevent your negative "fear mind" from predicting an awkward or anxious time.
Keep in mind that you are in the same boat as everyone else. Everyone deals with the challenge of remembering names at some time or another. By practicing Goodfinding skills of looking for the good in your mind and memory, you will set yourself apart from the crowd and develop a fabulous memory!
After someone tells you their name, repeat it back to them several times and you'll have it forever. You might also look at their face and say their name silently in your mind a few times to lock it into your memory.
And above all, have fun with all of this!
Losing Your Train Of Thought
Nobody likes it when this happens. And yet it happens to everyone. When this happens to you, just go on to something else. You may or may not need to say, "I lost my train of thought." When you say that, it is usually awkward for you and the other person(s), and serves no useful purpose. Simply talking about something else related the subject you were discussing will usually do the trick. Either you will get back to that "train of thought" or you won't, and it won't matter.
Nothing is worth getting upset over. When you lose your train of thought, you only make things worse by getting frustrated and stopping the conversation while you try to remember. And, it might make the other person feel uncomfortable. Even a joking comment like, "Well, that thought is gone!" and then going on to another subject keeps the feelings light and comfortable for everyone. And, this will light, playful attitude make it more likely that you will remember what you need to.
Consider also that sometimes you actually lose your train of thought because you were going down a path in the conversation that would be unpleasant or inappropriate for you or the other person. In such cases, just let it drop. Many times the other person is more than willing to pick up the conversation at this point and take it in a new direction.
You are a lot wiser than you think you are. Trust your mind and your memory, and they will just get better and better. Never, ever say anything negative about your mind, memory or age and you won't be "joining the crowd" that is laughing all the way to senility. It just isn't necessary.
Age Well, Age Elegantly, Age With Grace
Aging is living. Everybody does it, so we might as well learn to feel good about it. Memory loss with aging is simply not the inevitable problem that most people think it is. Through practice and positive thinking, you can keep your mind active and alert, and your memory functioning very well. Here are some positive statements to say to yourself about yourself:
-I love life
-I am aging magnificently
-I have an excellent memory
-I love using my mind
-My mind is brilliant
-I remember exactly what I need to remember when I need to remember it
-Anything I need to know will come to me
-I can count on my mind to provide me with the information I need
-The more I use my mind the better it will work for me
-I appreciate my mind and how well it works for me
-I choose to have positive thoughts about my mind and body
-I choose to have positive thoughts about aging and the entire life process
Both Ricardy Banks & Wgdefoore are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Wgdefoore has sinced written about articles on various topics from Anger Control, Anger Control and Dating and Romance. William G. DeFoore is a counselor, executive coach, author and speaker. He has 34 years of experience in helping people achieve healthy, happy relationships. Get fr. Wgdefoore's top article generates over 673000 views. Bookmark Wgdefoore to your Favourites.
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