When it comes to a sensitive subject like your memory, you want to make sure that you know all there is to know about it. Practicing good methods towards a fine-tuned memory can be hard at times, but it’s how much information that you know that can help, so look at this article to see what you can learn.

When trying to commit a large amount of information to memory, having several shorter study sessions is significantly better than having one long study session. The reason for this is that it takes several separate instances of reviewing the material in order to commit the material to long term memory. Holding the information in long term memory will allow you to more readily recall the information than if it was stored in short term memory.

You then might consider taking short breaks for your mind so that it can rest, just take 5-15 minutes every hour, this can go a long way when you’re studying. Your brain will be able to retain new information more easily after a break.

It’s a well known fact that stress is hard on a person’s body, but it is also very hard on a person’s memory. Chronic stress is detrimental to brain cells as it destroys them as well as the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that retrieves old memories as well as makes new ones. Practicing stress reducing techniques are vital in maintaining a good memory.

When learning a new concept, teaching someone else the concept has been proven to be an effective way to improve your memory. The reason for this is that when you teach someone else the concept, you must first have an understanding of it and then be able to phrase it yourself. It is significantly more effective than simply trying to remember a concept word for word.

Help protect your memory for years to come by making sure you are getting plenty of vitamin B-12 in your diet. Studies have linked low levels of B-12 to dementia and poor cognitive function. Food sources rich in B-12 include liver, eggs, fish, poultry, meat and milk products. If you don’t eat a lot of meat, you may need to take a daily B-12 supplement to help prevent deficiency.

Protecting your cells is vital to keeping your brain healthy and active. Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants like blueberries, strawberries, and other fruits and veggies will give you a leg up in taking care of your brain. These antioxidants not only keep your brain working in optimum condition, they also may help slow the aging process.

Fish oil is a healthy addition to any diet. If you find your memory is not what it used to be, you may not be getting enough Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. The easiest way to include it in your diet is by taking a pill.

Regularly challenging your brain can help you improve your memory. Learning new, complex tasks such as a foreign language or how to play a musical instrument will help your brain stay active. Remember the old saying “Use it or lose it?” The same thing’s true for your mind!

When you need to learn something, practice it repeatedly. The more times you practice something, the better recall you will have. This is a way of coding something into the part of you brain that is responsible for long-term memory. If you do not practice, the new information will remain in short-term memory and will be easily forgotten.

When trying to remember something, incorporate as many of your senses as possible. The more sense you use when making a memory, the easier it will be to recall at a later date. You can see this process in action every time a familiar smell reminds you of something from your past.

If memory loss or simply poor memory is your problem perhaps an Omega 3 deficiency is at the heart of the problem. Try taking an Omega 3 supplement, or a medication like Lovaza to help with this. Researchers have discovered in Britain that children who were supplemented with Omega 2 were more focused and had better memory.

If someone you know is suffering from Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, or another illness that effects their memory, try showing them pleasant pictures from the past. By looking at pleasant memories, the memory of these patients may improve. Be sure not to bring up unpleasant memories as this could cause them a setback.

The thing about something like memory is that you want to always be on the lookout for new information that can help you retain memory. You can test your memory by trying to see how much you remember from this article. Just remember, stay positive and everything should work out.

Memory Loss: Effective Ways To Avoid It was originally published on Spring