9 Ways to Improve Your Memory

Ever wondered how you can improve your memory? It may be a lot easier than you think. In fact, all of the methods on this list can be easily incorporated into everyday life. Here are the 9 best methods to improve your memory.

#1 – Exercise

Exercise is not only for the body – it’s for the brain too. To exercise your brain, simply begin by exercising your body. Exercising increases oxygen to the brain and protects brain cells. It also decreases the risk for conditions that may lead to memory loss, such as diabetes.

Yoga is a great place to start, as it encourages concentration and focus. Running is also an effective form of exercise that can help improve memory.


#2 – Sleep
Like exercise, getting a good night’s rest is vital to improving memory. A lack of sleep equates to a brain that is not functioning at full performance. Additionally, sleep is necessary for memory consolidation – a process that is vital to remembering important things but can only be achieved during deep sleep.

#3 – Socialize
Look no further for an excuse to make regular plans with friends. Human interaction is one of the most important aspects of improving memory, particularly meaningful relationships. It doesn’t matter whether it’s time spent with friends or taking a class or volunteering, it’s the interactions with others that stimulates the brain.

#4 – Treat Anxiety and Depression
Both anxiety and depression wreak havoc on the brain. In fact, symptoms of both conditions include the inability to concentrate and a decrease the ability to remember things. Depression increases cortisol in the body, which increases cortisol in the brain. This leads to a loss of brain areas, particularly the hippocamus which is responsible for short-term memory. Anxiety and
depression also affect the ability to remember certain things, often remembering the negative events before the positive.

#5 – Visualize and Associate
Instead of attempting to remember a word, remember a picture instead. Visualize an image in your mind related to the thing you need to remember. For example, to remember how old your cousin is going to be, visualize them blowing out a cake with their age written in the icing; or to remember an address, visualize a house with the address written on the building. Positive and in-depth visualizations work best.

#6 – Repeat
As annoying as it may have been, there is a reason teachers make students write spelling words ten times – repetition improves memory. As soon as you learn something new or are told something that needs to be remembered, repeat it immediately. Write it down in multiple places or repeat it aloud. For example, to remember someone’s name say “Nice to meet you, [name]” or to remember an appointment, write it down on a piece of paper and on the calendar, whether that’s on your phone or wall.

#7 – Rhymes and Alliteration
Rhymes and alliteration. If you were taught the saying “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November” then you’ve been using this memory-improving technique. Creating a rhyme or a funny joke or using alliteration (a repeating sound or syllable) is a fun but useful way to remember several facts or figures.

#8 – Break It Down
Break it down. Instead or attempting to remember a long list of information, break it down into smaller categories or sections. Instead of 1234567890, think of 123-456-7890. Instead of one big, long grocery list, break it down into categories – dairy, produce, frozen.

#9 – Challenge Your Brain

Engage your brain in activities that encourage thinking or concentration, such as crossword puzzles or Sudoku. Challenge your brain to learn something new – a language, a new skill – or investigate something that intrigues you. Assign a name and story to strangers around you and then focus your attention on something else. After five minutes, how many of those names and stories can you remember? Focusing on new information and processing it using the tactics described previously keeps your brain functioning and encourages memory.

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