Memory plays an important role in humans’ life. It enables us to remember skills that we have learned, retrieve information at the time of need. But not always we remember the entire vital thing that we should remember. As far as students are concerned, many find it challenging to remember their important lessons for long. Therefore, to throw some light on improving the memory we have come up with an interesting research.

Every day we feed tons of information to our brain and right one stays but many time we forget the vital information as well. To avoid such thing it is important to nourish brain with right food, exercise and tools that has the potential to boost the memory. Ultimately, it is our life and we have to take the corrective actions to make our brain cells work better.

Effect of Mnemonics

In the modern times, plethora of information which we need to remember is available in the forms of ‘words’. While ‘words’ printed on a page is a classy medium for conveying complex thoughts but our brain does not easily absorb and remember written information for long.

Our brain is programmed by nature to keep track of information that are available in the form of images, colors, structures, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, positions, emotions and language. Information in these forms is always absorbed in human brain for long as compared to information available in ‘words’. Mnemonics are thus a powerful medium to remember information for long and in a lucid manner.

Mnemonics assist humans in remembering information, especially in the form of lists like phases, characteristics, stages, parts, steps and more. It is a tool that is designed to help student improve their memory and store critical information for longer duration. This method connects new learning to prior knowledge through the use of visual and acoustic cues.

There are many types of mnemonics, but which one is the best entirely depends on the imaginative capability each individual learner. Mnemonics based on the usage of Music, Note Organization, Image, Connection, Spelling, Name, Expression/Word, Model, and Ode/Rhyme are among the popular ones.

How mnemonics help in remembering anything better?

In a name mnemonic, the first letter of each word in a sentence or any other list of items can be remembered using acronym like: ROY G. BIV = colors of the spectrum (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.)

These mnemonic devices are good for memory and in 1967, Notable Author, Gerald R. Miller has proved this thing right. In his research he found that, students who used mnemonics tools regularly increased their test score up to 77% as compared to other students who did not use mnemonic.

Eat Right

Everyone likes mouth-watering food and even die for eating such stuff. But the proverb-“All that glitter is not a real gold” holds true in eatables as well. There are foods that are good and others that do harm to your health. Therefore, we have written about some foods that not only boost memory but also increase the functioning of brain.

Blueberry, a rich source of fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6, antioxidants and phytonutrient is also known as a super food that has the potential to improve learning, thinking and memory capacity. Along with this, it assists in reducing neurodegenerative oxidative stress. This super food is also relatively low in fructose as compared with other fruits, and thus makes it one of the healthiest fruits amongst others.

Walnuts are filled with omega-3 fats, natural phytosterols and antioxidants, these contents improves brain function and even promote brain healing. Phytosterols ability to lower the cholesterol level also assists in maintaining a healthy heart.  .

Curry contains turmeric, a spice that in turn contains the anti-inflammatory antioxidant curcumin. This oxidant boosts memory and stimulates the production of new brain cells.

Broccoli and cauliflower contain choline, a vitamin B, which plays a vital role in brain development. Choline intake charges brain functioning and it boosts cognitive capability; improve learning and ultimately enhance memory. Crab and Red meat are an excellent source of brain-boosting vitamin B12 which can assist in improving memory.

Garbanzo beans are a good source of magnesium which benefits brain cell receptors to speed the transmission of messages. It also relaxes blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow towards the brain that ultimately boosts memory. Green leafy vegetables also produce the same effects as garbanzo beans and are equally popular.

Although the list is endless, but including these stuffs in the food platter can do miracle as far as memory is concerned.

Hit the Gym

Physical exercises not only have a positive assist in fighting heart disease, stroke, and diabetes but moreover it improves memory and thinking skills. In a prominent research it is found that consistent aerobic exercise increase the size of the hippocampus, a critical brain region that involved in shaping verbal memory and learning. While doing intense exercise, a chemical known as norepinephrine, which has a strong influence on memory generate in the body and assist in sharpening the memory. Researchers believe that rigorous exercise can increase your brain size, and the bigger your brain, the greater your capacity to remember.

Physical exercises reduce insulin resistance; reduce inflammations, which affect the health of brain cells, and the development of new blood vessels in the brain. Moreover, hitting the gym improves mood and sleep, and reduces stress and anxiety which ultimately increase concentration and improves memory.