The memory It is one of the basic processes of our cognition, without which it is impossible to function normally and self-sufficiently, as evidenced by some neurodegenerative diseases that primarily affect this ability.
In a way, exercises that train our cognitive abilities work in a similar way to physical training; It not only allows us to expand these capabilities but also improve our health and reduce the risk of some cases.
Specifically, one of the key aspects of ensuring that our memory is protected is attention to our general health. This includes adopting habits such as exercise regularlyReducing stress (for example, meditating), taking care of our diet, avoiding alcohol and sleeping enough hours.
These different precautions can be combined Cognitive exercises Designed to act as information retention. There are many possibilities, but these are some of the techniques that science has collected San Augustin University of Health Sciences (United State).
Information Systems
If we have to face, say, study sessions for an exam, one of the first steps will be to determine what information we will need to remember. Create an overview All this information allows us to highlight and focus on important concepts.
Association
Creating links with other prior knowledge we have helps retain the information, as we will remember those links as well. for example, Create mental images And associate them with sounds, smells, and tastes.
Use visual clues
Using tools such as concept maps, graphs, illustrations, or photographs can be very helpful when it comes to memorization. These tools often also simplify information. This method is especially useful for those who have visual memory
Create mnemonic rules
Abbreviations, utterances, rhymes… This is one of the techniques most often studying for studentsand for good reason, because it helps tremendously with information retention.
handwriting
There are actually several studies that have found that unlike when you type on electronic devices, Handwriting It helps a lot in retaining information. Among other things, by assuming more effort and time, it forces the brain to stay with the central concepts of what is being written.
Read out loud
In a similar way, having to say something we read out loud forces the brain to perform additional information processing that includes what is known as “working memory”. This in turn gets better Consolidation of concepts.
get tested
Pause to check if we’ve already memorized something, using methods like Ask us about things or use lettersforces us to use and thus enhance the retrieval of information, which is one of the basic processes of using our memory.
exercise
As musicians or actors know well, repeating an action too many times ends up looking instinctive or almost natural. In the case of preserved information, a good way to use this principle is to Repeat it out loud or write it down manually many times.
references
USAHS. Scientifically Backed Memory Tips and Recall Techniques (2020). Accessed online 07/10/2022.
