Memory is perhaps the most important
thing, after physical health, that allows us to function and enjoy life.
Without memory, there is no learning process and we lose our identity. We have
no past or future, and the present can become a continuous torment. Beyond the
philosophical perspective, it must be said that memory is an important part of
our mental health and something we should keep intact and constantly active.
What is memory?
Memory is the informational store of
everything we remember, as well as our ability to learn and retain useful
information from present situations in order to solve future ones. It is the
brain’s ability to store information and retrieve it as memories when we need
it to solve problems in the near or distant future. Memory depends on conscious
learning, but it also exists in its absence. The brain creates connections
between past and present experiences and helps us develop language.
Cognition specialists distinguish
between short-term and long-term memory. Short-term memory is the ability to
retain information for a short period of time, while long-term memory refers to
the almost unlimited capacity to store information from our distant past: from
childhood to the present moment.
Forgetting, the opposite of memory,
is also a normal part of life and, to a certain extent, it can even be
beneficial. Memory is not static and does not record everything in perfect
detail. We usually forget things the brain does not consider important, especially
information that is not repeated or used. However, when forgetting begins to
interfere with learning new things or when we struggle to remember very recent
events, the problem can become serious. In such cases, it may indicate a
pathological condition and a mental health specialist should be consulted.
Here are five tips to help you
improve your performance and memory, keeping your mind young and sharp.
5 Tips for Improving Your
Memory
• Sleep and make sure you
sleep well.
About 95% of adults need 7–9 hours of sleep. Lack of sleep affects memory,
creativity, concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Sleep
strengthens memories, especially during periods of deep sleep.
• Manage stress and don’t let
it take over your life. Stress damages neurons, which are the brain’s most valuable
resources and cannot be regenerated. Studies show that chronic stress leads to
memory disorders, which is why effective stress management is essential.
• Laugh as much as possible. In India, public laughter sessions are
organized. It may seem strange, but laughter reduces stress and activates areas
of the brain associated with positive emotions, which are more easily stored in
long-term memory. It also reduces anxiety and depression, both of which
negatively affect mental health.
• Review information
intelligently. No memorization is effective without periodic review. Do not do it
mechanically, but strategically — by rereading, using quizzes, writing
summaries, or creating graphs and diagrams. Space your reviews over time: not
only on the same day, but after one day, two days, and one week, so the
information becomes firmly stored.
• Eat and drink healthily. The brain consumes about 20% of the body’s
daily energy. That is why you should eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids —
such as fish, nuts, green vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and
antioxidant-rich foods that protect brain cells from damage. Drink green tea,
which is rich in antioxidants that slow brain aging. Limit alcohol consumption
(especially strong spirits), because alcohol, like smoking, reduces the number
of neurons.
