The mere mention of memory tips for students and others struggling with recall often sends shivers down the spine. But it shouldn't. There are several key tips that can help any student, and many ways to help those already struggling with their memories. And with a little extra guidance and practice, anyone can achieve superior memory skills in just a few short weeks of dedicated study.
The single most important memory tip is to plan your study time. We've all met people who leave the study table at the end of a term feeling as if they've already forgotten everything that was learned that day. All that deep, rich information just fades away, leaving students at the end of term with the same tired mental pictures they left at the beginning of the term. Instead, start each term with a mentally draining, goal orientated study session. Think about what needs to be learned, and then use study strategies to make sure you remember it.
Another great tip for students is to learn to 'recycle' things in their heads. Some people refer to this as thought recycling, and it's a great way to remember what you need to learn in each section of the exam. Consider memorizing the key points of each term before moving on to the next topic in your studying.
For example, you may find yourself reading your phrase out loud when you're studying. Instead, think about it mentally and write the phrase down on a study guide or index card. This not only helps you remember better, but it helps you stay focused. Studies show that people who force themselves to read phrases out loud do an awful job at remembering them. By forcing yourself to focus on words instead of phrases, you'll remember better and study more effectively.
Another simple memorization tip is to learn to breathe. It's amazing how much our breathing patterns affect our memory. When we're stressed, our body responds by increasing the heart rate and pumping more blood. As a result, our brain gets more oxygen and does not need as much energy. This can lead to poor study habits and lessened retention of the material studied.
If you're looking for memory tips that will help you study better and retain the information you study, make sure to get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. Exercise regularly, too, so that you're always physically and mentally fresh. Also, get a study guide to help keep you focused. With these methods, you can achieve better results from your studying.