Memory

Memory is a complex and amazing phenomenon associated with every human being. It serves as a sort of reference to the incidents in past light cone; it helps us remember past events or faces of people we have met earlier. But, human memory, meanwhile serving as a handle to many things experienced by mind, also leaves out or forgets events that otherwise we all want desperately to remember. That is, human memory can be volatile at times. Why do we forget certain things while there is no difficulty in remembering some other events? Why does the extents of memory vary from individual to individual?

Well, memory or the ability of a person to memorize things and later recall it is an innate ability to a certain extent, something that is programmed in the genes. But beyond that, an efficient memory is an outcome of an organized and conscious effort from the behalf of every individual, driven by the necessity to learn and remember things that would eventually help him succeed in life and career. Stressing on the latter point (we cannot reprogram genes), improving one’s memory is both science and art, which can be mastered by practice and persistent effort. This article guides the reader through some memory techniques that are quite easy to master, but which if practiced could bring about perceptible changes in one’s ability to remember things.

We are unlikely to forget the subjects or events that had evoked a special interested in our minds. That is, conversely, we won’t remember what we are not interested in.

Pay attention to details of what you see or hear. Then compare and contrast the aspects with things you know – both similar and dissimilar. In simpler terms, it is all about being ‘mindful’ and your senses will do the rest. Imagination and association – to remember things relative to other known things – are productive memory enhancement techniques.

One won’t remember things that he/she is not able to comprehend. Those things that do not make sense to you mind won’t find a place in the memory. Try to analyze the aspects and learn it so that everything is in perspective for your mind to recollect at a later stage.

Review what you have learnt or already stored in the mind. It is a way of consolidating the images imprinted in the mind. Trying to recollect things in a systematic way is a memory exercise, in which you deliberately condition the memory cells to cough up stored data. If practiced regularly, this could help one recollect things easily and with less effort.

Use mnemonic devices such as rhymes, formulas and acronyms when trying to memorize items.

Make a picture in your mind of the things you want to remember. Visualize and let your fantasy loose. Exaggerate your images, that makes them easier to remember.

Make up a story: link the items you need to remember in a story.

Eliminating stress improves your memory.

Don't abuse alcohol or drugs.

The memory of a person depends a lot on his physical and mental health. How well you organize your mind and your personal environment reflects on the efficiency with which you can record things and hence the ability to recollect as well.

Here the old adage evolves and extends itself – where there is peace of mind, there is happiness and yes, enhanced memory as well!