10 Simple everyday tricks to improve your memory tenfold

Stay Sharp: 10 Simple everyday tricks to improve your memory over time

huibing

18 Jul 2017

1/10
Clenching your hands
It might sound slightly ridiculous, but try to clench your right hand when you’re learning new information. Then, when you’re trying to remember, clench your left hand instead. Researches at the Montclair State University in New Jersey showed that those who clenched have better scores than those who didn’t. While the causation hasn’t exactly been proven, it certainly can’t hurt to try!
2/10
Chewing gum
Psychologists in the UK have proven that chewing gum improves both short-term and long-term memory, so grab a stick and start chewing. Unfortunately, Singapore has banned the importing of chewing gum into the country. So, opt for candies that you can chew instead. Though we aren’t exactly sure why, it seems the sugar level and act of chewing has led to increased brain activity, improving your memory.
3/10
Stop multitasking
Yes, multitasking is so time-effective, but it does nothing to help your memory. By multitasking, your brain is unable to properly concentrate on one thing. The constant interference is definitely detrimental to your memory, so close your numerous tabs and focus on one!
4/10
Read aloud
When you need to memorise something, say it out loud. Sure, it might not be the best solution when you’re trying to read/study/work in a quiet place, but saying what you have to remember will keep it in your head longer. Speaking out loud will give your information a distinctiveness which sticks easier in your brain, no matter how soft or loud you choose to vocalise them.
5/10
Write it out
If you’re used to taking notes on your laptop, consider switching to pen and paper once in awhile. Studies have shown that while listening helps you remember things, memorising the more crucial bits can be done better by writing them down. This is as you have to summarise and paraphrase words. Picking out important parts will help them stick better amongst the rest of the notes.
6/10
Eat food good for your brain
A Mediterranean diet has been shown to improve your memory. But, okay, we aren’t recommending you to completely revamp your dining options. Instead, grab some healthy snacks that have been commonly referred to as ‘brain food’. This means avocados, blueberries, beets and broccoli, amongst many other things! Sprinkle them throughout the day and feed your brain the food it deserves.
7/10
Test your memory
Our brain is a muscle, much like our core or our quads. So, you have given it the food that it needs, now it’s time to give it a quick workout. Sudoku and crosswords have been shown to improve your memory, but you don’t need to do that. Simply try to test your brain of things that have happened, items on your desk, and something seemingly mundane and watch your memory improve over continuous testing.
8/10
Get that much-needed rest
Research done by neuroscientists has shown that getting a good amount of sleep (eight hours or more) has led to significant improvement in name association exercises, matching up to 12% more than those who didn’t. So, shut your laptop and retreat to bed early. Getting an hour of extra work done might sound good, but your brain would be tired and sleep debt would collect.
9/10
Get moving
It’s easy to sit the entire day. When the day starts and work begins, you’re pretty much sedentary in the same position four hours on end. When you’re commuting home and when you’re in the comfort of your house, the same can be said as well. Instead of rushing home, however, why not head to the gym? Exercising gets your blood pumping and your brain working, and promotes brain growth, especially in the hippocampus.
10/10
Craft the perfect to-do list
And, at the end of the day, consider making a to-do list. Whether it’s on an application on your phone, or a physical list in your notebook, keeping one really helps. No, this is not a crutch nor is it making your memory rely on it. It helps to clarify what needs to be done, and what are less important, keeping your brain neat and tidy.

Boost your memory and keep your wits sharp all throughout the day at the office!

You walk in a room to grab something, except… what exactly was it that you were looking for again? You fumble around the shelves, pull open all the drawers, hoping something will catch your eyes but to no avail. Then, you head to the supermarket and you bump into a neighbour who strikes up a conversation. You have a bright smile on your face and their name on the tip of your tongue. You’ve got it — it either starts with an M or a T, but you can’t quite pin it down. So, you’re content with smiling brightly, referring to them by everything other than their name..

While these situations may make for a funny story over lunchtime, forgetting things is an extremely common predicament. Though some may joke about the woes of growing older, memory loss can happen to anybody of any age. But, that does not mean we have to sit down and accept that as fate. With these ten simple tricks, find yourself pushing your brain to remember more and more so that this will be a thing of the past.

Lee Hui Bing

Photo: Getty Images

Cool Down: 8 Beauty tricks to look your best even in 30-degree heat

Glam & Gloss: 7 Tricks to help you achieve really shiny hair

Positive Vibes: 8 Tips & tricks to stay happy at the office

8 Fine dining restaurants in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur for...