Difference between revisions of "Get a Photographic Memory"
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An eidetic, or photographic, memory involves being able to recall images, names, words, and numbers with extreme precision. Having a strong memory relies on neuroplasticity of the brain, or the brain's ability to reorganize itself over time by breaking and forming new connections. While some lucky people are naturally born with an extremely sharp memory, others struggle to remember what they ate for lunch the day before. While you may not be able to train yourself to have a completely photographic memory, there are certain things you can do to significantly improve your ability to recall information. Read on to learn how. | An eidetic, or photographic, memory involves being able to recall images, names, words, and numbers with extreme precision. Having a strong memory relies on neuroplasticity of the brain, or the brain's ability to reorganize itself over time by breaking and forming new connections. While some lucky people are naturally born with an extremely sharp memory, others struggle to remember what they ate for lunch the day before. While you may not be able to train yourself to have a completely photographic memory, there are certain things you can do to significantly improve your ability to recall information. Read on to learn how. | ||
| − | [[Category:Memorization Skills]] | + | [[Category: Memorization Skills]] |
==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
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[[Doc:Memory Tricks,Memory Palace,Roman Room]] | [[Doc:Memory Tricks,Memory Palace,Roman Room]] | ||
=== Lifestyle Changes=== | === Lifestyle Changes=== | ||
| − | #[[Deal with Depression|Tackle depression]]. Many people who suffer from depression describe memory loss and difficulty focusing as one of their main symptoms. Anxiety, depression, anger, and other stress-inducing conditions increase cortisol levels in the brain, which can lead to cell damage to the hippocampus, the area in the brain responsible for memory retention.<ref>http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-ways-to-improve-memory.htm</ref> | + | #[[Deal with Depression|Tackle depression]]. Many people who suffer from depression describe memory loss and difficulty focusing as one of their main symptoms. Anxiety, depression, anger, and other stress-inducing conditions increase cortisol levels in the brain, which can lead to cell damage to the hippocampus, the area in the brain responsible for memory retention.<ref name="rf1">http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-ways-to-improve-memory.htm</ref> |
| − | #*Every case of depression is different, and may call for a different treatment option. For some, talk therapy may be enough, while for others, medications like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may be necessary to restore normal brain function.<ref | + | #*Every case of depression is different, and may call for a different treatment option. For some, talk therapy may be enough, while for others, medications like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may be necessary to restore normal brain function.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*There are many ways to alleviate anxiety and stress. Spend more time doing activities that you enjoy, especially those that involve being outdoors. Take up activities that promote mindful awareness, like yoga or tai chi. | #*There are many ways to alleviate anxiety and stress. Spend more time doing activities that you enjoy, especially those that involve being outdoors. Take up activities that promote mindful awareness, like yoga or tai chi. | ||
| − | #*Another way to help alleviate anxiety and depression is to socialize more often.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/memory-loss/HA00001</ref> Reach out to friends, family members, and loved ones and avoid spending too much time alone with your thoughts. | + | #*Another way to help alleviate anxiety and depression is to socialize more often.<ref name="rf2">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/memory-loss/HA00001</ref> Reach out to friends, family members, and loved ones and avoid spending too much time alone with your thoughts. |
#Keep your mind active. Your brain is like the muscles of your body; the more exercise you give it, the better it will perform. Unfortunately, many people get so caught up in their daily routines that they can go days with their brains performing on "auto pilot." Try to incorporate some of the following brain-stimulating activities into your week: | #Keep your mind active. Your brain is like the muscles of your body; the more exercise you give it, the better it will perform. Unfortunately, many people get so caught up in their daily routines that they can go days with their brains performing on "auto pilot." Try to incorporate some of the following brain-stimulating activities into your week: | ||
#*[[Finish a Crossword Puzzle|Do crossword puzzles]]. | #*[[Finish a Crossword Puzzle|Do crossword puzzles]]. | ||
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#*[[Learn a New Language Fast|Learn a new language]] or [[Learn to Play an Instrument|instrument]]. | #*[[Learn a New Language Fast|Learn a new language]] or [[Learn to Play an Instrument|instrument]]. | ||
#*Sign up for a class at your local community college. | #*Sign up for a class at your local community college. | ||
| − | #Get more [[exercise]]. Physical activity increases blood flow to every part of your body, including your brain.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/memory-loss/HA00001/NSECTIONGROUP=2</ref> This can help get more oxygen and essential nutrients to your brain so that it will perform better. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week. | + | #Get more [[exercise]]. Physical activity increases blood flow to every part of your body, including your brain.<ref name="rf3">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/memory-loss/HA00001/NSECTIONGROUP=2</ref> This can help get more oxygen and essential nutrients to your brain so that it will perform better. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week. |
#*It's important to spread out your exercises throughout the week so that you are regularly increasing blood flow to the brain. Even if you don't have time for a formal workout, everybody has time to squeeze in at least a brisk 10 minute walk. | #*It's important to spread out your exercises throughout the week so that you are regularly increasing blood flow to the brain. Even if you don't have time for a formal workout, everybody has time to squeeze in at least a brisk 10 minute walk. | ||
#*Make small lifestyle changes to increase your mobility, like choosing the stairs over the elevator. | #*Make small lifestyle changes to increase your mobility, like choosing the stairs over the elevator. | ||
| − | #[[Drink Responsibly|Drink in moderation]]. Excessive drinking can block key receptors in the brain that are necessary for memory retention, and may release a steroid that interferes with learning and memory.<ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/story/health/story/2011/07/Study-shows-how-binge-drinking-harms-memory/49413408/1</ref> There is some evidence, though, that drinking in moderation can actually protect your memory in the long run. One French study found that in people surveyed over the age of 65, those who drank moderately (1 to 2 glasses of wine per day) were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than nondrinkers.<ref | + | #[[Drink Responsibly|Drink in moderation]]. Excessive drinking can block key receptors in the brain that are necessary for memory retention, and may release a steroid that interferes with learning and memory.<ref name="rf4">http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/story/health/story/2011/07/Study-shows-how-binge-drinking-harms-memory/49413408/1</ref> There is some evidence, though, that drinking in moderation can actually protect your memory in the long run. One French study found that in people surveyed over the age of 65, those who drank moderately (1 to 2 glasses of wine per day) were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than nondrinkers.<ref name="rf1" /> |
=== Memory Strategies=== | === Memory Strategies=== | ||
#[[Avoid Distractions|Minimize distractions]]. For many people, forgetfulness is not a memory issue, but a result of being too distracted to effectively learn the information in the first place. When possible, try not to multi-task and instead focus all of your attention on completing one activity at a time. Though it's tempting to take care of several things at once to save time, you will be more likely to retain the information if you do each one individually, saving you time in the long run. | #[[Avoid Distractions|Minimize distractions]]. For many people, forgetfulness is not a memory issue, but a result of being too distracted to effectively learn the information in the first place. When possible, try not to multi-task and instead focus all of your attention on completing one activity at a time. Though it's tempting to take care of several things at once to save time, you will be more likely to retain the information if you do each one individually, saving you time in the long run. | ||
| − | #Use image associations.<ref | + | #Use image associations.<ref name="rf1" /> One way to help you remember something, whether it is the title of a book or where you left your keys, is to take a moment to visualize the item at hand. For example, if the object is a book called "A Thousand Splendid Suns," take a moment to visualize what a thousand splendid suns would look like. Having the image imprinted in your mind can help you recall the title of the book later. |
#*Similarly, if you place your car keys down on the kitchen counter, try to imagine your keys doing something silly in the kitchen like cooking or eating the fruit in the fruit bowl. When it comes time to look for your keys later, you'll be unlikely to forget that silly image you created in your head. | #*Similarly, if you place your car keys down on the kitchen counter, try to imagine your keys doing something silly in the kitchen like cooking or eating the fruit in the fruit bowl. When it comes time to look for your keys later, you'll be unlikely to forget that silly image you created in your head. | ||
#Repeat names. Many people struggle to remember the names of people they have just met, even after only 30 seconds. This is likely because we tend to focus so much on ourselves (how we look, whether we're being polite, etc) that we neglect to listen to the other person's name. This can be especially difficult if you are being introduced to several people at once. | #Repeat names. Many people struggle to remember the names of people they have just met, even after only 30 seconds. This is likely because we tend to focus so much on ourselves (how we look, whether we're being polite, etc) that we neglect to listen to the other person's name. This can be especially difficult if you are being introduced to several people at once. | ||
