Not everyone has the memory of an elephant, but if not much sticks in your brain, it could become a problem.
If you want to improve your ability to retain information, there are some pretty easy and effective things you can do to help you out. Start incorporating these habits into your daily life, and you’ll be surprised at how effective they can be.
1. Take a quick power nap.
Short naps can actually help lock in memories you’ve just formed. A quick 10-20 minute nap right after learning something can make a surprising difference in how much you retain. These naps don’t even have to be deep sleep; just resting your eyes and giving your brain a break helps consolidate information. So next time you’re learning something new, take a short nap afterward to help it stick.
2. Use visualisation techniques.
Creating mental images for the information you want to remember can help bring it to life. If you’re learning someone’s name, imagine writing it down or seeing it on a name tag. Visualisation engages more parts of your brain and creates a mental “anchor” for the memory. This trick turns abstract details into memorable images.
3. Repeat out loud what you want to remember.
It might feel silly, but speaking things out loud really can help you remember them. This technique, called “production,” combines auditory and verbal processing, making it easier to recall later. By hearing yourself say it, you’re reinforcing the information. Next time you need to remember something, try saying it out loud a few times.
4. Take regular breaks while studying or working.
It’s tempting to power through tasks, but taking breaks actually helps your brain retain information. The brain needs time to absorb what it’s just learned, and short breaks between study sessions allow memories to settle in. Try the “Pomodoro technique,” where you work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. A few pauses can make your memory stronger in the long run.
5. Exercise before tackling new information.
Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, giving it an instant boost that can improve learning and memory. Even a short walk before studying or reading can make it easier to remember what you learned. Exercise wakes up your brain, so it’s ready to absorb and retain information. A quick stretch or stroll can be all you need to get started.
6. Try mnemonic devices.
Mnemonic devices are memory tricks that use letters, phrases, or images to help you remember. For instance, using the acronym “HOMES” to remember the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior) makes it easier to recall. Mnemonics create simple associations that help complex information stick. You can invent your own for any list or concept you need to remember.
7. Write it down by hand.
Source: Unsplash Writing by hand engages your brain differently than typing does. The slower process of writing by hand forces you to think about the information more deeply, which strengthens your memory. Jotting down notes or key points helps reinforce the material. Even if it’s just a few words, the act of writing can make all the difference.
8. Teach what you’ve learned to someone else.
Explaining new information to another person forces you to organise your thoughts, which helps solidify what you know. Teaching encourages your brain to retrieve the details and make sense of them, leading to stronger recall. If you can explain it clearly, you’ve truly learned it. Plus, this method helps spot any gaps in your understanding.
9. Use spaced repetition.
Instead of cramming, try reviewing information at spaced intervals over time. Studies show that spacing out review sessions helps information move from short-term to long-term memory. Apps like Anki and Quizlet use this technique, but you can also set reminders to review on your own. Revisiting information over time helps lock it in for the long haul.
10. Mix up your learning environment.
Changing your surroundings can actually help with recall. Studying or practising in different locations can provide new “context cues” that help retrieve information later. Your brain associates certain memories with the places you learn them, so switching locations adds new associations. Try studying in different rooms or places to see what works for you.
11. Chew gum while studying.
This might sound odd, but chewing gum has been shown to boost focus and memory for some people. The act of chewing can increase blood flow to the brain, which can help with recall. Next time you’re learning something important, pop in some gum and see if it helps. It’s a small trick that could make a surprising difference.
12. Get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. Your brain organises and stores memories while you’re asleep, making a good night’s rest essential for recall. Without enough sleep, it’s harder for your brain to retain information. Prioritising sleep can make a huge difference in how well you remember things.
13. Practice mindfulness and meditation.
Source: Unsplash Mindfulness exercises like meditation help you focus better, which naturally improves memory. Meditation trains your brain to stay present, making it easier to concentrate and remember things. Just a few minutes a day can sharpen your mental clarity. Improved focus means improved memory—plus, it’s relaxing too.
14. Use visualisation to “walk” through your memory.
Try imagining a “memory palace,” where you mentally place things you want to remember in specific locations. This method, used by memory champions, relies on visual and spatial memory. You can “walk” through this mental space to retrieve information later. It’s a creative way to store and recall details with ease.
