Our brains control everything that we know, what we experience, how we think and do things. From our hippocampus to our frontal cortex, there is still much research that needs to be done on how our brains and memory work.
1. We Remember Pictures, Not Words
Have you heard someone say that they are a visual learner? Because we store things in our memory as images instead of words, it’s easier to remember and recall images we’ve seen. This also works if you want to remember something in particular – make a mental picture association to the thing you want to remember to something else already in your memory bank.
2. Connections and Associations Are Good Too
We remember things better if we already have some connection to the information. Which can be helpful if you want to remember something, like someone’s name. The best thing to do is to associate the new information with a piece of information already stored in your brain, thus creating more connections and ensuring the information moves to your long-term memory.
3. Foods Can Help You
Studies have shown that having caffeine after getting new information can help you retain that information for up to 24 hours longer than someone who doesn’t have caffeine. The flavanoids in blueberries are also great for your brain and can strengthen connections that will help with your long-term memory.
4. Exercise (for) Your Brain
Regular exercise has been shown to help your memory and slow the decline of memory into old age. Spatial memory is most benefited by regular exercise, but even a quick walk can help activate your brain.
5. Being In Love Boosts Memory
When we experience love, the neurotransmitter dopamine floods the brain. It’s also the same neurotransmitter that is released when we eat chocolate or go for a long run. Incidentally, dopamine is necessary for the storing of long-term memories. This explains why we remember details about our first love so strongly.
Be wary though, too much dopamine has the opposite effect and decreases memory retention.
6. Look Away or Close Your Eyes
Since our brain works to process information from all five of our sense at the same time, it helps our brain to concentrate by closing your eyes (decreasing your memory input) or by looking away. So don’t take it the wrong way the next time someone’s eyes wander during a conversation. They may just be trying to commit the conversation to memory!
7. Seven Is the Magic Number
When we’re given new pieces of information, like a person’s name or an address, we commit this information to our working memory. If you use it every day, you’ll continue to commit it to long-term memory. If you don’t, then you’ll forget it. With your working memory, you are able to remember about seven items. That’s why phone numbers are seven digits long.
To improve your working memory, try meditation or mindfulness exercises.
What studies have shown time and again are that memories can change and fade, but you can use the products from this month’s Artisan Box to keep them fresh.
Post by Barbara Lee.
Barbara is a world traveler who is passionate about sustainable food systems, responsible consumerism, and holistic living. Her professional background and interests include writing, cooking, non-profit work, eco-conservation.
