What is Memory?
There are two types we use daily: short-term memory and long-term memory. Both of these are important for our everyday functioning. We learn new material (a name, a date, directions, all things) with the use of short-term memory.
Long-term memory is what we need to survive and function. It allows us to go through our day almost effortlessly when we brush our teeth, comb our hair and eat our breakfast. We also learn information in what are called “chunks” of memory. If we take learning a new action in pieces and learn one piece at a time, we can put them all together and repeat the action.
All forms of memory are affected by several factors. Stress is a big destroyer of memory chunks and affects every aspect of our performance. Have you ever noticed when you are overwhelmed and someone asks for your telephone number, you cannot remember it?
Stress and illness can affect brain functioning and can cause constriction of blood flow. Good memory occurs when the flow of healthy oxygen nourishes the brain and creates overall health and well-being. When we feel rushed and pushed by time constraints, it can affect our performance and ability to remember.
Fortunately, with good health and exercise, reduced stress levels and mental challenges, you can retain your memory.
How Can I Upgrade and Increase My Brain Power?
- Memories begin as short-term memories and when they are encoded and practiced, they are placed in the long-term memory banks. The memory process occurs as chunks of memory are placed in storage for retrieval at a later time. To improve the process, practice storing and retrieving information you want for later use. Memory chunks need time to solidify. This is accomplished with practice, repetition and making remembering a conscious action.
- Memory can be impaired by illness, accidents, trauma, stress and time limits. Obviously, it is important to do what you can to protect yourself from serious injury, such as wearing the right gear when involved with sports or recreational activities, and reducing stress when you can by cutting out unhealthy habits, situations and even relationships.
- You can help improve your memory with practice and preparation to learn new material. It is also important, when retrieving materials that were learned previously, to store them in chunks. For example, when children learn to play the piano, they are asked to learn the piano keys by memorizing sentences, which explain the names of each key. This is also called “situational memory.” An example of “situational memory” is memory chunks that are formed in the same place, in the same situation and the same environment. By recreating the same learning conditions and having the same frame of mind, health, attention and focus, he or she is more likely to remember the information and have better retention.
- Use your brain and keep it pumped up. Having good blood flow to the brain occurs with regular exercise, a healthy diet and reduced stress levels, which all help to ensure we have good memory. See your doctor regularly for check-ups. Look for foods that are rich in vitamins, low in sugar and caffeine, which can be very helpful. Your brain is a muscle. Therefore, it needs good food, exercise and new information daily to keep it fresh and ready to learn. Involvement with art and music have been shown to help brain function and improve blood flow. Fish oils and foods high in Vitamin B will help reduce stress and improve memory.
- Practice makes perfect! We’ve all been told this, especially when we’re learning a new skill. Go out and practice whatever it is you want to remember: a language, a task, or information you want to use on the job. We can practice any action in our minds and later execute it with amazing results. Also look for new hobbies and experiences that will help your brain get “exercise.” These can be as simple as crossword puzzles and memory games, or more physical such as learning how to cook gourmet food or trying to snowboard.
- Memory is important for all of us, especially as we grow older. To retain the memory functions that we have, we must try to stay active, socialize and look for the plethora of books, games and websites that can improve or help retain memory function. Keep learning new things on a daily basis, and challenge your memory. Just like any other muscle, you must exercise your brain to keep it functioning and healthy!
More people are experiencing memory problems due to poor health conditions. Make sure to get regular check-ups, eat right and reduce your stress levels. We all fear not being able to care for ourselves and can stay healthy with simple steps – the most important one being vigilant about our own healthcare. Make today the day you put together your plan for a brain workout, which will create a memory for you that others will envy.