{"id":15925,"date":"2024-09-01T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-01T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/?p=15925"},"modified":"2024-10-25T13:52:07","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T17:52:07","slug":"improve-memory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Memory"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Some things just won't stick; you can't remember them. Everyone sometimes forgets something, but sometimes it is important to remember certain things, and including some of the mentioned habits can help you out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The list contains ten tips that give your memory an extra boost. They are small tricks, habits in your everyday behavior, and tiny changes in your life pattern that can make a big difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, everyone has a trick that works better or less well, so it's a bit of searching and trying. Before getting on to the tips, let's understand some facts about <a href=\"https:\/\/wethebrainys.com\/onnit-alpha-brain-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"60718\">forgetfulness and memory enhancement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#What_is_Forgetfulness\" >What is Forgetfulness?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#Symptoms_of_Forgetfulness\" >Symptoms of Forgetfulness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#How_Does_Forgetfulness_Arise\" >How Does Forgetfulness Arise?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#Sensory_memory\" >Sensory memory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#Short-term_memory\" >Short-term memory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#Long-term_memory\" >Long-term memory<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#Is_It_Serious_and_What_Can_You_Expect\" >Is It Serious, and What Can You Expect?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#What_Can_You_Do_About_It_Yourself\" >What Can You Do About It Yourself?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#Things_To_Do_to_Improve_Memory_A_Countdown\" >Things To Do to Improve Memory: A Countdown<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#10_Fifteen-second_rule\" >10. Fifteen-second rule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#9_Pin_systems\" >9. Pin systems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#8_Turn_everything_offdownaway\" >8. Turn everything off\/down\/away<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#7_Linking\" >7. Linking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#6_Keywords\" >6. Keywords<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#5_Loci_method\" >5. Loci method<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#4_Clump\" >4. Clump!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#3_Situation_sketches\" >3. Situation sketches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#2_Music\" >2. Music<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#1_Fragrances\" >1. Fragrances<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/#Final_Thoughts_on_How_to_Improve_Your_Memory\" >Final Thoughts on How to Improve Your Memory<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-forgetfulness\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Forgetfulness\"><\/span>What is Forgetfulness?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Memory is the <a data-lasso-id=\"60719\" href=\"http:\/\/www.mayfieldclinic.com\/pe-anatbrain.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">function of the brain<\/a> that stores information to use later. Skills such as reading, writing, calculating, and logical thinking are impossible without memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without memory, even speaking, observing, understanding, thinking, and planning would not be possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With memory complaints, people experience, rightly or wrongly, a deterioration of memory, a reduction in the ability to store information and\/or retrieve it later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-symptoms-of-forgetfulness\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_of_Forgetfulness\"><\/span>Symptoms of Forgetfulness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone sometimes forgets something. Moreover, there is a big difference in memory capacity between people; one is better at remembering information than the other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only when you notice that you forget more than is usual for you, there are memory complaints and possibly a memory decline. With memory problems, you can think of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-icon-list ugb-icon-list ugb-icon--icon-check ugb-092b723 ugb-icon-list--v2 ugb-main-block\"><style>.ugb-092b723 li{margin-bottom:0px !important}.ugb-092b723 li::before{background-image:url('data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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')}.ugb-092b723 li ul{margin-bottom:0px !important}.ugb-092b723.ugb-icon-list ul{columns:1}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><ul><li>It isn't easy to come up with names<\/li><li>Always lost things<\/li><li>Forget appointments<\/li><li>Be confused with days<\/li><li>Forgetting events of short or long ago <\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In the event of severe <a data-lasso-id=\"60720\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/1986728\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">memory complaints<\/a>, this will hamper daily activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you struggle with learning in general, the video below explores 10 of the most potent mind tricks you can use to learn anything fast. With just a few simple tweaks to your learning approach, you can pick up new skills in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4cIH7s9XxUw\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" class=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-forgetfulness-arise\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Forgetfulness_Arise\"><\/span>How Does Forgetfulness Arise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Memory is located in the brain. There are many areas involved, each with its own function. Memory is usually divided into three parts: sensory memory,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplypsychology.org\/short-term-memory.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"99349\">short-term memory,<\/a> and long-term memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sensory-memory\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sensory_memory\"><\/span>Sensory memory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Information comes in through <a data-lasso-id=\"60722\" href=\"http:\/\/www.indiana.edu\/~p1013447\/dictionary\/sen_mem.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">sensory memory<\/a>, primarily through the ears and eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a few seconds, the information disappears from this memory. Part of it moves on to the next phase, the short-term memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-short-term-memory\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Short-term_memory\"><\/span>Short-term memory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Important factors that influence short-term memory are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>clarity (how awake you are)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>selective attention (what do you pay attention to)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>emotion and interest (your motivation) and understanding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short-term memory, a limited amount of information can be kept temporarily (up to a few minutes) in consciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the limited capacity, information can disappear from this memory because new or old information is added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If information in the short-term memory is processed in a certain way (for example, through repetition, ordering, or linking to old information), it can end up in the long-term memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-long-term-memory\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Long-term_memory\"><\/span>Long-term memory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This memory is a permanent memory storage with almost unlimited capacity. If you want to recall a reminder, it must come from <a data-lasso-id=\"60723\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Long-term_memory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">long-term memory<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/learning-pyramid\/\" data-lasso-id=\"60724\">Learning Retention Pyramid<\/a> as your guide, use the most effective way of retaining information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-it-serious-and-what-can-you-expect\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_It_Serious_and_What_Can_You_Expect\"><\/span>Is It Serious, and What Can You Expect?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether memory problems are serious depends on the degree of forgetfulness and the limitations they entail in daily life. Old-age forgetfulness can be annoying, but it is not a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"width: 100%;\"><\/span>If other restrictions are added and you are less able to take care of yourself, the condition is more severe and the memory problems may be a precursor to dementia. But if you are aware of the memory problems and suffer from them, <a data-lasso-id=\"60725\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/dementia\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352013\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">dementia<\/a> is not usually the case.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/old-woman.jpg\" alt=\"how to improve memory recall | how to increase memory power naturally | how to train your memory\" style=\"width:450px;height:338px\" class=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Memory problems can be severe depending on the degree of forgetfulness and their limitations in daily life. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-can-you-do-about-it-yourself\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_You_Do_About_It_Yourself\"><\/span>What Can You Do About It Yourself?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This decline can go faster when memory goes backward, and you make a few new impressions. This can happen, for example, due to loneliness and the lack of different social contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing you can do is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/memory-tests\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"99350\">get your memory assessed through various memory tests<\/a>. This will give you insight into your cognitive function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also important to have (family) contacts, stay active in social life, and have pleasant activities. That way, you help the mind stay fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you're fond of playing games to improve your life (and your recall and memory), check out these blog posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/memory-games-kids\/\" data-lasso-id=\"60729\">11 Fun Memory Games for Kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/memory-tests\/\" data-lasso-id=\"60728\">11 Best Memory Test Websites & Apps<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/memory-games-adults\/\" data-lasso-id=\"60727\">11 Memory Games for Adults to Train Your Brain<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a few tips from this list and try them out! Who knows, it helps your memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-things-to-do-to-improve-memory-a-countdown\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_To_Do_to_Improve_Memory_A_Countdown\"><\/span>Things To Do to Improve Memory: A Countdown<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-fifteen-second-rule\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Fifteen-second_rule\"><\/span>10. Fifteen-second rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Scientists have been researching our memory for years, and most people agree that people have short-term and long-term memory. However, the short-term memory is very short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, it varies per person, but roughly 18 seconds is about how long most people can remember a problematic combination of words or letters. Take a telephone number, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your short-term memory remembers this grab-em-bite for 18 seconds, and if it has not yet been moved to your long-term memory (and this is not that easy to do), then the number is lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is, therefore, important to write it down within those 18 seconds. But yes, who always has a pen and paper within reach? The fifteen-second rule helps here, and is very simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To keep something in your short-term memory, repeat it approximately every 15 seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You do this until you have found a piece of paper and borrowed a pen\u2014or, in modern times, until you have dug your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/smart-notebooks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"99351\">smartphone<\/a> out of your bag and opened your note app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-pin-systems\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Pin_systems\"><\/span>9. Pin systems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Officially, it is called Mnemonic Peg System in English. It is a bizarre system for laymen, but people trained in it swear by it. How does it work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a peggist, you learn a standard list by heart. It can be a random list, as long as you remember it (so you need a little bit of memory to use this system!). Suppose you take 1 = gun, 2 = zoo, 3 = a hive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We'll stick to three, but of course, you can make a much longer list\u2014as long as you remember the list! Well done. Now comes the memory task. You have to remember three things: say &#8220;messages.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You must have eggs, butter, and toilet paper because who wants to be without toilet paper? The trick of Peggen is to combine your original peg list with the new one. So:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gun and eggs. Simple, you imagine what it would look like if you loaded a gun with eggs. A funny image, and the stranger, the better it is to remember!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zoo and butter. Perhaps some animals would like a lick of butter?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beehive and toilet paper. If you distort the cardboard rolls a bit, you could use it to build a nice bee-comb, wouldn't you?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The idea (and it works; try it) is that you can better remember the first list by associating the remember list with your peg list. After all, you have associated it or linked it to the peg list. Of course, you first have to remember your peg list &#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-turn-everything-off-down-away\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Turn_everything_offdownaway\"><\/span>8. Turn everything off\/down\/away<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It sounds drastic, but in principle, it is straightforward: the more input you get from outside, the less capacity you have for the task you are <a data-lasso-id=\"60731\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/stay-focused-work\/\">trying to concentrate<\/a> on. Your brain can only do a certain amount of work at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They would like to focus all their concentration on your one reminder task, but if other sensory data comes in (sound, smell, taste, you name it) then your brain must also pay attention to it. Putting your music down or running quiet classical music is not an alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/man-working.jpg\" alt=\"how can I sharpen my memory | how can I improve forgetfulness | how can I improve my memorization skills\" style=\"width:450px;height:338px\" class=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> The brain can only do a certain amount of work at a time. &nbsp;It tends to focus all their concentration on your one reminder task. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"width: 100%;\"><\/span>Although your brain may pay less attention to it, it will sacrifice a small part of your mind to perceive the sounds. And that ability depends on your capacity to remember. So, TV off, radio off, a hamster in the cage, and preferably also Facebook on, do not disturb!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-linking\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Linking\"><\/span>7. Linking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Links&#8221; are connections, and the more links you put between the things you need to remember, it gets better. What works best is to come up with a story that ties everything together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you remember the three messages from memory aid number 9 (if not: eggs, butter, and toilet paper)?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, links between these things could go as follows: &#8220;There was once an egg from a man who smeared butter on his Toilet paper because he thought it would make it feel softer on his seat.&#8221; Admit it, you would remember such a story, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A problem with this method is that it is not particularly well suited for longer lists. It then becomes absurdly challenging to put everything in one story, and if you have to invent several stories, you risk forgetting one of these stories completely\u2026 For short lists, however, this is an excellent (and funny) way of to remember!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-keywords\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Keywords\"><\/span>6. Keywords<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This method is especially useful when learning words in a different language. It works as follows: write down the foreign word (or say it aloud).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, try to find an English word that is very similar in terms of sound or spelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, you will &#8216;associate' this English word with the meaning of the foreign word. In this way you remember what the definition of a word is much easier than if you tried to stomp it brutally into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, we take the word &#8216;brain' when we talk about memory. Suppose I live in the Netherlands, so I had to remember the Dutch word for it. Here we go:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1:<\/strong>&nbsp;The Dutch word is <em>hersenen<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2<\/strong>: An English word that is very similar to this is Hershey (a park in Pennsylvania).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3<\/strong>: The connection is easy to make; Hershey is a park where we can spend peaceful time and relax our brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4<\/strong>: I won't forget that <em>hersenen <\/em>means brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-loci-method\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Loci_method\"><\/span>5. Loci method<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An age-old method is called the Roman Chamber method or the travel method. The principle, which originates in the Roman heyday, is simple: when you remember things, you do so by hanging them up in an area or house that you are very familiar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example the house where you grew up. The memory of your grandmother, you put it in the wardrobe, you put your groceries (a recurring phenomenon) in the mailbox, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is one of the oldest methods and especially suitable for more elaborate memories, such as anecdotes, stories, and perhaps whole persons or groups. It is less useful if you only have to remember a word list, but we have already discussed quite a few alternatives for that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-clump\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Clump\"><\/span>4. Clump!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It sounds very unpleasant, but it does work. At number ten, you read about short-term memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from being very short-term (only 18 seconds), it is also very limited in capacity. It can remember between 5 and 9 &#8216;chunks'. A lump can be anything: a word, a number, another unit. Your memory must see it as one piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A word that we recognize, such as butter, is one lump. However, if we do not know the word, for example, the letter group &#8216;<em>urgniko<\/em>&#8216;, then we cannot remember it as a piece. We must remember this as seven fragments; each letter is one fragment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"width: 100%;\"><\/span>We can only remember and process 5 to 9 debris at a time. The art is, therefore, to clump. The idea is precisely what we saw with the word &#8220;butter.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because we recognize the word as a whole, it is one piece. If you have to remember the number sequence 4769155, you can do that in seven fragments; each digit is a fragment. You can also clump up numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suppose you used to live at number 47. Then you remember this as a piece. Your grandmother may have just turned 96, and your side job gives you 155 a week (if only so!). Instead of 7 fragments, you only have to remember 3, which means room for more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-situation-sketches\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Situation_sketches\"><\/span>3. Situation sketches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This method helps you when you have forgotten something and are trying to retrieve it. You often know it is on the tip of your tongue, but it just doesn't want to touch the conscious surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be very frustrating! What often helps is the following trick: try not to remember that specific thing but rather the entire situation. For example, suppose you want to remember which song played on a particular evening.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory.jpg\" data-lasso-id=\"60732\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"410\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-410x1024.jpg\" alt=\"how to improve memory retention | how to improve memory for studying | how can I improve my memory fast\" class=\"wp-image-27157\" style=\"width:374px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-410x1024.jpg 410w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-120x300.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-60x150.jpg 60w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-768x1920.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-26x65.jpg 26w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-88x220.jpg 88w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-40x100.jpg 40w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-160x400.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-180x450.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory-204x510.jpg 204w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Ways-to-Improve-Memory.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Try to imagine the entire evening, the entire environment, and the entire situation. Better yet, if possible, try using physical attributes. Did you drink coke? The smell and taste of cola can help your memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your memory is often context-dependent. This means that certain events are stored in your memory in relation to the context (the environment).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These memories sometimes only surface if the environment is &#8216;correct'. Therefore, you must ensure that your environment is correct in order to remember the precise memory!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-music\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Music\"><\/span>2. Music<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Number 8 warned you that any distraction hinders your memory. That's true. But music can also sometimes support your memory if you actively use it. It is especially useful when you want to remember monotonous lists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You try to transform the list into a song with the help of a simple tune (or perhaps a complicated orchestral performance by Beethoven, whatever you want).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Songs and tunes are often better absorbed by our memory than boring lists. As an example, the German words &#8220;<em>mit, nach, bei, zeit, von, zu<\/em> and <em>aus<\/em>&#8221; do something with the conjugation of articles &#8220;<em>der, die en das<\/em>&#8220;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I no longer know exactly what, but I still know the list exactly, even though I had to learn it more than 10 years ago. That is because I sang it for myself to the melody of Father Jacob.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-fragrances\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Fragrances\"><\/span>1. Fragrances<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although one method is no better or worse, this is the most special way of remembering. Odor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our sense organs work more on our unconscious than on our conscious, and thus they can be a very good assistant in retrieving memories that wander around on the unconscious level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you studying for an exam? Then use the same perfume during learning as during your exam. Your brain will be able to better recall the memories of your learning session from your memory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, the smell of then is linked to the smell of during the exam. Hop, memories come to mind. And if not, at least your fellow students will not smell your sweat so badly\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-on-how-to-improve-your-memory\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts_on_How_to_Improve_Your_Memory\"><\/span>Final Thoughts on How to Improve Your Memory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An important final note is the following: although these are great (fun) methods of remembering things, the guarantee is right to the door. No matter how hard you try, some things are just really forgotten, and some lists are just too long to remember in one evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important trick is not one of the above but practice. The more you practice remembering, especially with the above methods, the better you get at it. So don't give up too soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you're looking for other ways to improve your memory, check out these blog posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/memory-games-kids\/\" data-lasso-id=\"60734\">11 Fun Memory Games for Kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/brain-fog\/\" data-lasso-id=\"60736\">6 Habits to Fix and Reduce Brain Fog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/memory-games-adults\/\" data-lasso-id=\"60735\">11 Memory Games for Adults to Train Your Brain<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/songs-good-times\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"99352\">15 Best Songs About Memories & Remembering Good Times<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #dff0d8; color: #3c763d; border-left-color: #3c763d; \" class=\"ub-styled-box ub-notification-box wp-block-ub-styled-box\" id=\"ub-styled-box-a92cf729-b3a8-4bff-a185-27e51bd0ab3a\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"ub-styled-box-notification-content-\"> <strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR: <\/strong><br><em><strong>Matthew Swayne<\/strong> is a cognitive expert, taking workshops and writing since last 8 years on memory enhancement, cognition,\u00a0<a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/wethebrainys.com\/noocube-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"60737\">brain health, and stress<\/a> related issues on his blog and online.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/improving-your-memory.jpg\" data-lasso-id=\"60738\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/improving-your-memory-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"how to improve your memory | can i improve my memory | improve your memory\" class=\"wp-image-36312\" style=\"width:479px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/improving-your-memory-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/improving-your-memory-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/improving-your-memory.jpg 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some things just won&#8217;t stick; you can&#8217;t remember them. Everyone sometimes forgets something, but sometimes it is important to remember certain things, and including some of the mentioned habits can help you out. The list contains ten tips that give your memory an extra boost. They are small tricks, habits in your everyday behavior, and &#8230; <a title=\"10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Memory\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/improve-memory\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Memory\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":36311,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[12394,13],"class_list":["post-15925","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learning-habits","tag-improve-memory","tag-learning-habits"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory.jpg",1024,512,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory-300x150.jpg",300,150,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory-768x384.jpg",768,384,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory.jpg",1024,512,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory.jpg",1024,512,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory.jpg",1024,512,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>Some things just won&#8217;t stick; you can&#8217;t remember them. Everyone sometimes forgets something, but sometimes it is important to remember certain things, and including some of the mentioned habits can help you out. The list contains ten tips that give your memory an extra boost. They are small tricks, habits in your everyday behavior, and tiny changes in your life pattern that can make a big difference. However, everyone has a trick that works better or less well, so it&#8217;s a bit of searching and trying. Before getting on to the tips, let&#8217;s understand some facts about forgetfulness and memory&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/category\/learning-habits\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Learning Habits<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Matthew Swayne","url":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/author\/matthews\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Matthew Swayne","author_link":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/author\/matthews\/"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory.jpg",1024,512,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory-300x150.jpg",300,150,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory-768x384.jpg",768,384,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory.jpg",1024,512,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory.jpg",1024,512,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-improve-your-memory.jpg",1024,512,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Matthew Swayne","author_link":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/author\/matthews\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Some things just won't stick; you can't remember them. Everyone sometimes forgets something, but sometimes it is important to remember certain things, and including some of the mentioned habits can help you out. The list contains ten tips that give your memory an extra boost. They are small tricks, habits in your everyday behavior, and&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15925","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15925"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44547,"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15925\/revisions\/44547"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.developgoodhabits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}