INTHEBLACK July 2022 - Magazine - Page 44
INSIGHT
// C H E AT S H E E T
HOW TO
IMPROVE
MEMORY
Just like we can strengthen our muscles
through exercise, we can improve our memory
with these simple but powerful techniques.
WORDS LINDA MOON
01
PAY AT T E N T I O N
FOR RETENTION
Properly encoding a new
memory requires focusing on
the information you are
receiving. Minimise distractions
and be present when trying to
absorb important facts. Avoid
multi-tasking, because it scatters
your concentration.
02
I N C E N T I V I S E YO U R S E L F
We remember things better if
we have a good reason. Visualise
the advantages of remembering
whatever you are trying to
memorise – a name, a date, a
phone number, a password. Give
yourself a reason to invest the
mental effort, and your recall
will improve.
44 ITB July 2022
03
C R E AT E S T R O N G
AS S O C I AT I O N S
We recall information better
when we give it emotional and
sensory meaning, such as
images, sounds and smells. For
example, to remember “HTC70”,
think of your uncle who “has two
cats” and is 70 years old.
06
04
U S E PAT T E R N S
AND REPETITION
Our brain naturally looks for and
remembers patterns. Help it by
“chunking” – organising the
things you are trying to
remember into categories
(industry, location, hair colour,
letter of first name). Then,
repeat, write things down and
say them out loud. Using
acronyms and creating
rhymes can also help.
05
H A R N E S S YO U R
I M A G I N AT I O N
Storytelling – creating a story
around facts you wish to
memorise – creates dramatic
engagement and helps boost
recall. The more visceral,
sensory-rich and emotionally
binding the narrative, the better
it will stay with you.
TA M E YO U R T E C H
There are many tech tools to help
us remember, but relying on
them instead of our brains isn’t
always a good idea. To prevent
cognitive decline and short-term
memory loss, keep your brain fit
with mental challenges –
navigating without a map,
learning a new language,
mastering a musical instrument
or playing a game that requires
mind and body coordination.