5 Tips to Improve Your Memory -- No Food, Drugs or Supplements Required

Memory is an incredible tool that shapes our daily lives. But what if improving it was simpler than you thought? From closing your eyes to standing up or even catching a quick nap, science has uncovered surprisingly easy techniques to enhance your brain's recall power. This article dives into these fascinating findings, offering practical, research-backed methods to unlock your memory's potential. Curious how these simple changes can make a big difference? Read on to discover the secrets of a sharper mind.

Key Takeaways

• Closing your eyes can boost recall: Studies show that shutting your eyes while trying to remember something improves detail retention, a method inspired by eyewitness memory research.
• Standing desks enhance cognitive function: Using a standing desk has been linked to improved executive function, helping with focus, task organization, and efficient time use.
• Napping and exercise improve memory: A post-lunch nap or light exercise like a short run can significantly enhance learning and memory retention.

From Naps to Runs: Simple Steps to Supercharge Your Memory

No matter what shape your memory is in, research shows there are easy ways to make it perform better.

These 5 techniques are simple, and studies show they’re effective.

Quick Memory Boost

Research at the University of Surrey in England shows that if you are trying to remember details of something you’ve seen, simply close your eyes, and it’s more likely you will.

The study was performed in a quest for ways to help eyewitnesses to crimes remember more accurate details. But the technique – keeping your eyes closed while calling to mind what you saw – can be applied to any circumstance where you’re trying to remember something.

The investigation involved 178 people who watched a film of a crime and then were asked to recall what they’d seen. The folks who closed their eyes as they called to mind what they had witnessed remembered more details than did those who tried with their eyes open.

The researchers also found that people who felt they had rapport with the person who questioned them about what they could remember also did better on the memory tests. To me, that suggests we remember things better if we are in a friendly and relaxing setting.

Trying to Think More Clearly? Stand Up!

Another way to improve your mental strength, according to researchers at Texas A&M, is to use a standing desk.¹

These tests, which were performed on students, show that standing at a desk conveys neurocognitive benefits by improving what’s called executive function – the function of your brain that enables you to more easily grasp what’s involved in a mental task, divide the task into logical steps, and stay focused on those steps until you get them all done.

Executive function, say the researchers, also helps you use your time efficiently, memorize important information, comprehend what you read, and keep your thoughts organized.

Other Ways to Help Your Memory Work Better

• Take a nap: A study in Asia shows that taking an hour-long nap after lunch may help your memory function better.² In this research, people who never took naps, or who took shorter naps, did not experience improvements in memory. Longer naps didn’t seem to help as much either.
• Don’t watch a horror movie: Research in Austria shows that very stimulating events like frightening or violent movies can disrupt the brain’s learning and recall processes.
• Get some exercise: Plenty of research shows that just about any type of exercise, including walking, improves learning and memory. A study in Europe shows that going for a short run after learning new material helps you retain information.³

Summary

Memory plays a crucial role in daily life, and research reveals surprisingly easy ways to enhance it. Closing your eyes while recalling information improves detail retention, standing desks boost cognitive function, and short naps or light exercises enhance memory storage. On the flip side, avoid activities like watching horror movies that disrupt recall. By adopting these practical strategies, you can sharpen your mind and improve focus effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does closing your eyes improve memory? Closing your eyes eliminates visual distractions, helping your brain focus on retrieving details more accurately.
• What benefits do standing desks offer for memory and focus? Standing desks improve executive function, enabling better focus, task organization, and efficient time management.
• Is there an ideal length for a nap to boost memory? Research suggests a one-hour nap is effective for memory improvement, though the ideal duration may vary by individual.
• Why should I avoid horror movies if I want to improve my memory? Horror movies can disrupt memory formation by overstimulating the brain and causing cognitive interference.
• Can exercise help with memory retention? Yes, light exercise like walking or running can enhance memory by triggering brain processes associated with information storage.