7 Tips for Improving Memory

Many believe that we are but a product of our memories, and perhaps that is true. In any case, our ability to retain information plays a vital role in our lives. It is known that as we grow older, we begin to forget things. But this can be prevented, or at least diminished by working on our memory skills.

Think of it as going to the gym – the brain gym, if your “memory muscle” is in continuous use and keeps getting exercised, it will be easier for you to remember things. However, if you don't do anything to keep your memory in shape, it will fall into disrepair and begin to crack and through those cracks, your precious memories will fall.

And a good habit to get into is working your memory since childhood. That is why teachers should encourage their students to do so, because school is supposed to equip you with skills to benefit you in your entire life.

So, here are a few fun and efficient tricks to keeping your memory in shape!

1. Read, read, read!

It's important that you work your brain, and what better way to do that than reading? This works with any book, both your textbooks and school books and other reading, such as stories or comics. For best results, read stuff from both categories.
Read about things you're unfamiliar with. That way, you will learn new things and your brain will make space to store more information, thus stretching its capacity and growing.

2. Doodle!

Encourage your students to draw freely. Some kids have a lot of energy and need to do something with their hands while you speak. It doesn't necessarily mean they're not listening. I always doodled in class, but had good grades. It's actually beneficial for students, as studies show that doodling helps keep their brain active and keeps their ears focused on the lesson. Apparently, doodlers have been proven to remember more than non-doodlers.

3. Learn something new daily!

This is extremely helpful. People say learning is a life-long journey, and that is true. If you keep mastering new skills, not only will it give your brain a workout, but it will also boost your self-confidence.
My 9-year-old brother is into Youtube life hacks, for example. You (and your students) can watch a video about something new, some trick or skill, then try to recreate it. It can be very useful in your life and it keeps your brain active.

4. Sing!

Singing boosts your confidence and creativity. Learn a new song or a song in a foreign language. Actually, I think the key to keeping a good memory is learning new things, amassing information. And besides, singing is a great way to become more positive. A song makes everything better.

5. Play games!

Contrary to what many people believe about games being destructive to the brain, they are actually, quite useful. Gamers know that most games focus on story and/or strategy and are quite complicated. My brother has stacks of papers of game history and it's incredibly complex.
Focusing is easy if you're interested in the subject. And in most of these games, it's crucial to remember the story in order to have a good gameplay.
Action games encourage you to think, to plan ahead. They get those wheels turning.

6. Exercise!

Another incredibly useful thing to do is work out. Keep yourself active, in order to have an active brain. Do (and encourage your students to do) what works best for you. Some may love volley, some may love yoga. Difference makes us who we are and if we're happy, we can better reap the benefits of exercising.
It's apparently good for long-term memory, as it releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports already existing neurons and encourages the growth of new ones, thus helping your brain remember.

7. Brainstorm!
The best way to solve a problem or create something good is to do it with the help of others. This helps people (your class, in this case) stay connected and learn to work as a team. Besides, it exposes everyone to new ideas, things they might not have thought of by themselves.
Brainstorming can be a goldmine of ideas and by encouraging you to consider new ideas, it works your brain.

These are all incredibly useful tricks for improving yourself and your brain and keeping alert. You may have noticed that I speak both of the teacher and the students. That is because they are good for everyone, they can help both children and adults. And, as I said, they're good habits to develop in your youth and maintain throughout your life.

BONUS TRICK: STEEM!
Ideas for Steemit articles sometimes wear thin, and I'm sure even the greatest Steemians around here have had a case of writer's block now and again. The great thing about it is that when it happens, it pushes you to learn new things, before sharing them with the Steemit community.
Steem on!