Most of us want to have a good memory, but did you know it is your behavior that sometimes affects how well you are able to form new memories? Memories as the term suggest not only refers to the memories from your past known as your long-term memory, but it also refers to the short-term memory. You short-term memory is where you store information like names, phone numbers, list, dates etc. There are ways that can help you improve your memory making it easier for you to remember this kind of information.
There are several easy ways that you can change your behavior to help you improve your memory. There is also a lot of research which indicates that by reading aloud aids in helping you remember the information that you are reading better. For some, speaking and hearing words helps the acquired information to connect better to their brain.
It’s also interesting to know that human memory and alcohol have a special connection. Although still more research needs to be conducted, there is evidence that light to moderate alcohol consumption can help improve your memory and cognition. While on the other hand, drinking too much alcohol handicaps the memory. There are studies which cited that moderate drinkers do better on certain tests of memory as compared to nondrinkers or heavy drinkers. There are also studies which confirms that flavonoids in red wine that believes to have a special benefits for blood vessels, and in turn with human memory, red grape juice is also a good source making this behavioral change reasonable for anyone at any age.
You also need to be aware that stress should be avoided and needs to be managed carefully because it also slows down memory, together with anxiety and anger. Depression is another factor which affects memory deterioration. The truth is, depression has always been misidentified as a memory problem since one of its main symptoms is an inability to concentrate. It’s the case when an individual does not have the ability to focus on their schoolwork or their job, often times they feel as if they are constantly forgetting things. The actual reason why they are so forgetful is because of their inability to concentrate long enough to learn things in the first place. And to add, depression also affects the types of things a person is able to remember. A person’s brain is selective about which memories make it into long-term storage, but individuals who suffered from depression seem to only be able to remember negative memories.
Increasing the amount that you exercise is another way you can change your behavior which also improves your memory. Exercise not only exercises the body but it also exercises the mind as well. It is said that for the brain to function properly it depends on the energy received through a constant intake of oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream. These nutrients are much needed and if it does not arrive, the brain’s ability to work is compromised. Research also suggests that the more physically active a person is, the greater his or her cognitive performance is.
While it’s always possible for us to learn to do simple tricks in order to improve our memory it is just a part of the solution. Sometimes it takes changing our behavior in order to improve your memory and get on the path to improve your life.