There are methods to improve attention, memory, and productivity, these strategies can strengthen brain functions on a daily basis without resorting to drugs or other special treatments. Some of these memory enhancement strategies may work within hours, using at least one of them may help to sharpen cognitive function.
Cardiovascular exercise may help to remember something new, studying before or immediately after a workout may help to boost memory. Cardio workouts are known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in the long run, and it also provides short term support for the brain.
Medium and high intensity cardiovascular exercise has been indicated by several studies to improve ability to remember new information; 15 minutes of physical exercise was observed to be enough to improve recollection. However this only worked if the information was acquired minutes before or after exercise, waiting an hour after acquiring information barely improved memory.
Multitasking between different forms of media can promote diminished immediate attention and memory. As well as possibly causing problems maintaining attention, issues sorting information, and bad long term memory. Cut down on various sources of media, or other things on in the background. Avoid checking your mobile device and turn off the radio/television when trying to memorize something.
Sleep is important to overall health, sufficient amounts of quality sleep can decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease, as well as helping to consolidate and bundle together new acquired information.
University of Zurich research suggests sleep time exerts a greater beneficial effect on memory consolidation than wakeful hours; and different stages of sleep improve different types of memory recall. REM sleep ensures stability and clarity of new information; and SWS recovers recent memory and sets it up for storage in long term memory.
Learning something new in a more efficient manner can increase the chances of remembering it later on. Connecting new information to an existing neuronal circuit that stores memories is an effective way of doing so. For example when meeting a person with the same name as someone you already know try linking these two people together and repeat the information so the new memory gets stronger; this is the mental equivalent of grafting a branch to a grown tree rather than raising a seedling.
Stress affects health, memory and learning, it causes the mind to grow unclear. Scenarios which are stressful can distract you from information you are trying to attain. Stress also triggers release of cortisol hormones that can make it harder to remember newly made memories. Reducing stress will be of great benefit towards obtaining new information and everyday memory skills. Avoiding and minimizing stress in the long run will help the brain remain healthy and sharp even during old age when Alzheimer’s disease can become a serious concern.
