# data[].attributes.body
Memory refers to the psychological process of acquiring, storing, retaining, and retrieving information. Let's not forget that Human memory involves the ability to preserve and recover information. People often forget or misremember things so someones memory can be less than perfect.

# data[].attributes.body
Long term memory often refers to the unlimited, continuing memory storage that can hold information for very long periods of time. Long term memory can be from one hour ago to a decade ago.

Short term memory refers to the brain holding a small amount of information in an active, readily available state for a short interval. A perfect example is if I recite a phone number to you and I recite it right back to you. This is me exercising my short term memory.

Sensory memory is a mental representation oof how events look, sound, feel, smell, and taste. It also includes long term component useful for such activities as recognizing a color or a familiar voice, or someone's favorite perfume.

# data[].attributes.headline
The importance in educational and professional environments when dealing with memory.

# data[].attributes.subject
The importance in educational and professional environments when dealing with memory.

# data[].attributes.body
What occurs in the brain when you make a memory: the hippocampus links all of the relevant information together and encodes it into a new memory by forming new synapses. In the education world memory plays a crucial role in teaching and learning. There are three main processes that characterize how memory works. These processes are encoding, storage and retrieval. Memory applies just as much to a learner's skills, beliefs and thought processes as it does to factual learning. It is said to underpin any lasting change in thinking.

# data[].attributes.body
While retention focuses on recalling information from memory in response to standard prompts, transfer focuses on the ability to apply the information in a context differently from the one in which it was originally learned.

# data[].attributes.body
Traumatic memories get stuck in the emotional memory of the amygdala rather than reaching the hippocampus, the area of the brain that records the details – like the what, when and where of an event. So for survivors the “memory” of a trauma often emerges as a strong emotional or sensory experience. Trauma causes great strain on the brain and retention can be affected depending on the amount of trauma.

# data[].attributes.body
Write it down. It is as simple as that. Many people write lists or notes daily. Since times have changed people are more prone to keep a digital list but the act of writing or typing out a thought or making a list helps improve memory.

Get enough sleep. You are more likely to remember things when you have had a good nights sleep. Sleep has been consistently proven too help consolidate memories. Slow wave sleep or deep sleep is believed to be essential for improving memory.

Everyone should do some form of exersise. Moderate-intensity exercise is excellent for brain health. Not only does it impact the development of new brain cells, but multiple studies suggest that the parts of your brain responsible for thinking and memory are larger in volume in individuals who exercise regularly than those who don’t.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=brain+funcrions&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anatomy-of-the-brain#:~:text=The%20brain%20is%20a%20complex,process%20that%20regulates%20our%20body.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cultivating a strong memory can unlock countless benefits in your daily life. And yes, it is possible to improve yours with practice and patience. From acing that big exam to never forgetting a loved one's birthday, the ability to recall important information is a vital skill that can be cultivated.

Whether you're a student, professional, or simply looking to enhance your cognitive abilities, improving your memory function is a goal well worth pursuing. So, let's dive into what memory is, why it matters, and explore the most effective strategies to help you achieve your memory goals.

What is memory?

Memory is the process of absorbing, processing, and storing information in your brain in order to retrieve it at a later time. It can be divided into two categories: short-term and long-term.

Short-term memory is important for simple tasks such as remembering where you left your car keys. However, there's no need to hold on to this type of information, so your brain eventually discards it. Long-term memory plays a significant role in developing who you are since it allows you to learn unique skills and gain knowledge to be retained for regular use.

10 strategies to improve your memory

By committing to memory-boosting activities and practices, you can strengthen your cognitive abilities and enjoy the benefits of a sharper mind. Let's explore some effective strategies that you can implement right now to improve your memory retention. We've divided them into "lifestyle" and "learning" strategies.

Lifestyle strategies

Lifestyle factors directly affect the health and functioning of the brain. The brain requires nutrients and stimulation to perform at its best. Positive lifestyle habits can promote brain health and function.

1. Get enough (quality) sleep.

You are more likely to remember information when you've had a good night's sleep. Sleep has been consistently proven to help consolidate memories. Specifically Stage 3 sleep, also known as slow wave sleep or deep sleep, is believed to be essential for improving memory retention.

2. Exercise.

Moderate-intensity exercise is excellent for brain health. Not only does it impact the development of new brain cells, but multiple studies suggest that the parts of your brain responsible for thinking and memory are larger in volume in individuals who exercise regularly than those who don't.

3. Decrease stress.

Stress can have a negative impact on our memory. Yoga, meditation, and other forms of physical activity are great options to manage your stress levels.

4. Keep your brain active.

There are all kinds of games you can use to get your brain activated, from puzzles to cards. Keeping your brain active can be both fun and effective in improving your memory. Developing new skills, such as programming or choreographing a dance, will also help increase brain activity, so don't be afraid to challenge yourself to learn something new.

5. Drink plenty of water.

Water accounts for 75 percent of your brain's mass [ 1]. Proper hydration is critical for your brain to be working at its best. It helps transport nutrients and bring more oxygen to the brain. The amount you need varies from person to person based on factors such as age, but a good place to start is to aim for at least 15.5 cups of water each day for men and 11.5 cups for women [ 2].

Learning strategies

As we learn new information, it is processed and stored in our brains to retrieve for later use. The way that we learn can impact how we encode and retain information in our memory.

6. Practice retrieval.

Active recall is key when it comes to storing information as memories. Next time you have to study for a quiz or exam at school, a presentation at work, or vocabulary for a language class, you can make a set of flashcards. You can absorb the information much more quickly after reviewing them multiple times. Quiz yourself or ask a study partner to quiz you for additional practice in repetition and recall.

7. Use mnemonic devices.

Ever wondered why it's so easy to remember the lyrics to your favorite song? It's because songs are one example of a mnemonic device. Other popular mnemonics that can help you memorize content are acronyms and chunking. Chunking is taking longer forms of information and breaking them down into smaller, manageable groups or "chunks" that can then be memorized more easily. Another way to commit new information to memory is by building a memory palace - a mnemonic device that associates information to be remembered with familiar locations or landmarks.

Read more: Improve Your Memory by Building a Memory Palace

8. Spread out your study sessions.

Spacing out study sessions over time - a practice known as spaced repetition - has been shown to improve retention compared to cramming. This technique involves reviewing material at gradually increasing intervals to reinforce learning and retention.

9. Take advantage of technology.

Some of the strategies mentioned can be accessed right from your phone or computer. From flashcards you can build online to brain game apps you can download, technology is a tool that can help improve your memory.

10. Keep lists.

Whether it's your to-do list for the day or groceries you need to remember to pick up from the store, you are more likely to be able to recall information if you take the time to write it out. If you do happen to forget, you know exactly where to look.

Take classes to improve your memory

Develop your capacity to learn with Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects from Deep Teaching Solutions.

Interested in learning more about memory and memory techniques? Dive into the scientific study of human memory with Understanding Memory: Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies from Wesleyan University. Both options on Coursera help you improve your memory and understand deeply how our brain works.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Improve Memory: Science-Backed Strategies and Tips

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover practical tips and techniques to enhance your memory and retain information more effectively. From study techniques to lifestyle changes, we've got you covered.