To lock in a memory
Use many senses - visual, auditory, kinesthetic
talk to yourself, repeat key info aloud
mentally "run-through" physical actions (motor cues)
diagram or visualize picture
Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years we have lived. Helen Keller
Link the unknown with the known - the more associations you can make, the better you will remember and recall (Example: Italy is shaped like a boot.)
Focus on one thing at a time
Work at remembering Example: Before leaving a parking lot, deliberately fix the location of your car in your mind.
Use mnemonic devices - organize by categories, rhymes, or location (For instance, create five unusual images and place one in each room of your house.)
Visualize - have fun with an image by adding color and imagining object from different angles
Chunk - break into shorter bunchesMemory prefers the concrete, and favors the picture over the thousand words. Rebecca Rupp, Committed to Memory
To recall a memory
Make a start - your memory will be prodded when you notice it half-done.
Jog your memory
Example: Return to the location where the memory was formed or focus on a single bit of the subject so it can bring back the entire memory.
Relax - turn your attention elsewhere and missing info will often pop up in mind.
Form a habit
Example: For taking medicine, place the pill container next to your coffee cup or toothbrush.
Keep a journal - especially of special times, important events, travels, dreams, etc.
Keep and display physical tokens and mementos (photos, postcards, etc.) to remind you of wonderful experiences. Change them frequently so they don't lose power.God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December. J. M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan
To ease the burden on your memory:
Organize - have a place for everything and keep everything in its place. (Example: Keep a basket by front door to hold keys, etc.; fill a tote bag with things you will need for a day's activities.)
Use external memory aids - to do lists, highlighters, planning calendar, appointment books, yellow sticky note in cereal bowl, on pc, suit on chair near door, etc. (Caution: One list or calendar is useful, but multiples only create confusion.)
Develop a routine - and stick to it.
Use the buddy system Do you have a relative or a good friend who can help you remember important things? Perhaps you can return the favor.
Note: Memory training includes three basic skills: LOOK, SNAP, and CONNECT!
[1] LOOK --- Actively observe what you want to learn!
Slow down, take notice, and focus on what you want to remember. Consciously absorb details and meaning from a new face, event or conversation.
[2] SNAP --- Create mental "snapshots" of memories!
Create a "mental snapshot" of the visual information you wish to remember. Add details to give the "snaps" personal meaning and make them easier to learn and recall later.
[3] CONNECT --- Link your "mental snapshots" together!
Associate the "images-to-be-remembered" in a chain, starting with the first image, which is associated with the second, the second with the third, and so forth. Be sure the first image helps you recall the reason for remembering the chain.
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