Many people fear memory loss, but it need not be as serious as it seems. If you are having trouble remembering things, you can take many steps to strengthen your memory function. You need a bit of patience, persistence and knowledge to find the best methods to help you restore some of your memory capacity and elasticity.

You can improve your memory by playing brain-challenging games. This works in the same way that physical exercise helps to build muscle. As you exercise, you will develop better memory skills and be able to concentrate better. Examples of good games that boost your memory are crosswords puzzles, brain teasers and word searches.

One great way to remember things is to develop mnemonic devices for them. Mnemonic devices used for memory is similar to writers using shorthand. Your mind links a specific fact or idea with a well-known word or image. This creates a relationship that makes it easier for you to recall that memory.

Sticky Notes

One the best and easiest ways to remember things is to use sticky notes. Do not consider notes a crutch. Keep them in places you’ll see all the time, like beside your computer or on your refrigerator. Placing sticky notes on things will help you make sure you don’t forget things that are extremely important.

To improve your memory, get rid of negative or unpleasant thoughts. Studies have shown that stress and negative thoughts hinder the memory. Consult with a physician to find healthy methods of stress relief.

Your brain is similar to a muscle. It can become weak if you don’t exercise it often. People who do puzzles and play memory games tend to get dementia less often.

Make new information stick by learning it in a new place. Changing the environment in which you are studying will often refresh your mind, and makes it easier to remember things for the long-term. When there are changes to any of your routines, it wakes your brain up, making it easier to absorb information.

Staying active with a strong social circle of friends and family is beneficial to having a good memory. Interacting with others not only keeps your spirits up, it also keeps you alert. Blue moods and feelings of depression deprive your mind of much-needed stimulation. If you have regular conservations with people you know, your mind will be engaged and you will remember things better.

Sadly, many people begin suffering from severe memory loss as they get older. Prescription medication may be the most effective course of treatment if memory impairment is caused by an actual medical condition–dementia or Alzheimer’s, for instance.

You should always be learning, even if you’re well out of school. If you do not keep on learning new things, parts of your mind will lose their abilities. Therefore, when the times comes that you have to remember something, you may have difficulties.

If you are having trouble remembering what someone has told you, try to rephrase what is being said. As long as you are keeping the original meaning alive, it can be very helpful for remembering the information. Putting it into your own words takes understanding, and information that is understood is remembered more easily.

Healthy Fats

Your memory, and your brain, work best when you are receiving proper nutrition. Foods that contain healthy fats are vital to healthy brain function. Avoid trans fats, and instead focus on sources of healthy fats such as fish, nuts, and flax seed and olive oils.

It is a natural part of life. If you want to halt this process, however, you can work to apply some accurate information and strengthen your memory function. Check out these expert tips below on memory.