How to Remember Everything |

HOW TO REMEMBER EVERYTHING

Im in the middle of research for this article when I need to get something from another room. By the time I finish my five-second climb up the stairs, Ive completely forgotten what it was I wanted and freeze until it hits me that I was grabbing my notebook... and some Mentos. I think. Memory loss is a natural symptom of aging, but it starts way before the grey hair and dentures possibly when were as young as 20 [1] . Some researchers blame forgetfulness on our tweeting and Googling, suggesting that multitasking and a constant influx of information may be hurting our memory [2] [3] . Other parts of our lifestyle, like snooze time and working outalso play a key role [4] [5] [6] [7] . Fortunately, there are lots of techniques that may help keep our memory sharp before we start repeating stories that start with, When I was your age...

FORGET ME NOT THE NEEDTO-KNOW

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We receive an overwhelming amount of information every day, but the brain filters out most of it. The stuff we do notice heads straight to our short-term memory, which can hold about seven units of information (i.e. a seven-digit phone number) for 20 to 30 seconds. Anything important or impactful (like the way a first love used to laugh) moves to another part of the brain for long-term storage, while the rest gets pushed out to make room for new information coming in. More emotional experiences tend to stick with us, as do activities we repeat often, like dance routines [8] [9] . (Hey, Macarena!) So why do we always seem to struggle to find those house keys? Aging is a big factor, and some studies suggest that the gradual decline in memory begins as early as age 20. Other research suggests were less likely to remember things now that information is easily accessible 24/7 on the Internet [10] ! And studies from the past several years are mythbusting the idea that multitasking is efficient or productive. Some researchers believe multitasking actually impairs our short-term

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memory and hurts our ability to focus on the most important information in our environment [2] [3] . No matter what the source of those memory problems, the good news is weve got you covered. Keep reading for tips on improving memory.

REMEMBER THIS! YOUR ACTION PLAN

From sleeping more to keeping a calendar, certain lifestyle habits can really boost our ability to remember new information.

Improve General Memory

Get some sleep.Just one night of sleep deprivation can damage our short- and longterm memory,and all-nighters may bring down our ability to retain new information by 40 percent [13] [4] ! Thats because, during sleep, the brain picks out information worth remembering and strengthens new memories [4] [5] [17] .And hey you 20-somethings, check this out: One study found that sleep deprivation has a more negative effect on people in their 20s than on baby boomers [13] [19] .Regardless of age, if those recommendedseven to nine hoursof sleep seem impossible, a 60-minute nap can also improve memory and recall [20] [21] . Move it. As if there arent enough reasons to put on those running shoes, heres another one: Exercise can improve memory and learning even if its just 30 minutes of daily walking [6] [7] . Scientists think exercise boosts the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that processes new information and plays a role in long-term memory storage.

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Work the mind. Try changing things up by using a non-dominant hand or taking a new route to work. Or start using the mind in the ways youve been using the phone, like memorizing phone numbers and addresses or writing directions on paper instead of using a GPS. Need a quick pick-me-up? A good oldfashioned cup of coffee just might boost that memory as well as any brain-training game [24] .

Study Smarter
Study when it counts. In one study, participants who received training in the afternoon performed better on tests than those who were trained in the morning [25] . Reviewing what youve learned before bed and right after waking up can also improve retention, but Pythagoras already knew that ages ago. Space out. Multiple studies have found that a memory technique called spaced repetition can increase retention by up to 50 percent. Basically, spaced repetition involves breaking info into smaller units and reviewing them consistently over the course of a few months [26] .It can also help to test yourself on new information instead of just passively reviewing it. Tell a story. The crazier the story, the more likely we are to remember it! Try this technique with the shopping list: If the first word is apples, picture an apple pie on the table and use other words on the list to tell a tale about what happened on the trip to the grocery store.

Remember Random Things

Know whats in a name. Keep repeating a new

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name in your head or use it in conversation as much as you can. (Thats a great idea, Sam!) Or tie the persons name to something unique about them, like Dan the Digital Ninja. Save the date. Plan ahead with Google Calendar reminders and Post-It notes. Bonus points for memorizing the date without help: Try the mnemonic method and create a story by using the numbers in the date. (For instance, for the date 10/29: Mark was born on a cloudy October day and his mother was in labor for 29 hours.) Systemize it. Create rituals and develop habits, like leaving keys in the same place every day. Run through a checklist of all essentials before leaving the house. (Phone? Check. Wallet? Keys?) Have you had trouble keeping track of things lately? What are some techniques that help you remember?