Unlocking the Power of Memory: Tips and Strategies to Improve Short-term Memory and Enhance Cognitive Function

2023-10-24 02:20:43

Memory, that incredible ability of the human brain that allows us to retain, store and retrieve information, is essential in the life of every individual.

From remembering names and important dates to learning new skills and knowledge, memory plays a vital role in people’s everyday activities. However, with the passage of time or in the face of stressful situations, it is common to experience difficulties in retaining and retrieving information.

This can improve short-term memory. | Photo: Getty Images

Tips to improve short-term memory

In the world of memory, there are two main categories: short-term memory and medium-term memory.

According to the portal mejorconsalud.as.com, “the first is responsible for storing immediate information, such as the name of someone we have just met. However, its capacity is limited and tends to fade quickly if not reinforced.”

On the other hand, medium-term memory is used to retain data that requires greater concentration or effort, such as preparing for an exam or remembering important daily tasks. This form of memory has a relatively larger capacity and can retain information for a longer period of time, as long as it is adequately reinforced.

Pay attention

It is essential for people to avoid multitasking as much as possible. According to some specialists, the practice of multitasking, that is, carrying out several activities simultaneously, is counterproductive. Although human beings have the ability to pay attention to several things at once, it is not recommended to abuse this ability.

Instead of dividing their attention between multiple tasks, people should focus on performing a single activity. Scientific research has shown that the brain functions optimally when focused on an individual task. As a result, achievement is noticeably better when tackling one task at a time.

To improve memory, it is crucial to pay maximum attention to the topic at hand. | Photo: iStock

Play mind games

Short-term memory is incredibly adaptable and can be stimulated in a variety of ways. The brain responds to stimuli and exercises in a similar way to how the muscles of the body do. When someone learns something new, the brain makes additional neural connections, keeping it active and constantly changing.

To understand it better, you can imagine the metro network in a city. Each new knowledge acquired is like a new line that is added to the complex routes and stations that were already interconnected in that mental map.

This is why it is so crucial to provide the brain with the cognitive exercise it needs to kick-start and develop fully. By keeping the brain active and challenged, it encourages the growth and expansion of its neural connections, which in turn improves memory and overall cognitive function.

Reading, crossword puzzles and sudoku are activities to strengthen memory. Photo: Stock.xchng.

Segment information and organize it

Practicing this segmentation approach can be an excellent exercise to improve memory, especially in situations where you forget your cell phone at home.

The method involves repeating these blocks of digits several times until the phone number in question is consolidated in memory. This technique not only makes it easier to retain information, but improves your ability to remember important details when they are needed most.

The principle of segmentation is versatile and can be applied in various situations that require mental organization. For example, when studying, it is common to create outlines or synoptic tables to summarize the key ideas of a text.

“This practice not only helps with comprehension, but strengthens memory by dividing information into manageable and easy-to-remember parts,” highlights the Mayo Clinic.

Thus, by adopting this approach, people can improve their ability to retain crucial information in different contexts of daily life.

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