10 Simple Memory Exercises for Memory Improvement

Having a good memory can be beneficial for many obvious reasons.  It can be frustrating when you can not recall a memory or experience. Memory exercises or techniques are one way to improve your memory.

There are endless amounts of mnemonics, or memory techniques, to faciliate this process. While there are many tips and tricks for memory improvement and overall mental intelligence,  below are some simple exercises you can do to facilitate that process.

1. Create an Image. When you need to remember something important, find a way to create an image about that in your mind that is either bizarre or strange. Your brain has an easier time remembering images that are unusual, while it easily forgets things that are ordinary.

You can also use images in many ways. For example, when you park your car, visualize something close by.

2. Free Your Mind by Writing Things Down. There really is no reason to memorize a grocery list. Make written lists of what you need to do or to remember. By writing things, like lists down, you can free up your brain to remember other things that are more important.

3. Chunking. This is an old mnemonic, but one that works. To remember a long string of letters or numbers such as a telephone number, break the information up into small chunks of three or four numbers or letters at a time, such as CAB or 2010. Most people will find it very hard to remember more than 10 numbers in a row, but two or three numbers in a row is more manageable.

4. Review and Repeat. When you need to remember something, review the same material the next day for a few minutes. Then a few days later, review the material again. Take time to read the material through and it will start to sink into your long term memory. Review and repetition will help your brain remember the material.

5. Schedule Breaks. When you are studying a lot of material, schedule a break every 45 - 60 minutes to walk around or do something completely different. When you sit down to study again, your brain will be refreshed and your concentration improved.

6. Try Fun Memory Exercises. There are plenty of books and worksheets available to practice mnemonic techniques. Give your brain a good workout by practicing memorization as a fun exercise. Every few days, pick a new favorite inspirational quote or passage to memorize, and then write it down or verbalize it aloud.

7. Teach Others. This technique works great. When you learn something new, find a conversation partner, and try teach the other person what you are learning. This is a good way to signal your brain that what you are learning is important and help you remember more.

8. Imagine the future. When you are trying to remember a person or a particular event, think about it in future terms. Imagine where you'll see that person next, and anything you notice about them that will help you recall their face. The additional associations will set the memory more firmly in your brain.

9. Simply tell yourself to remember. This is similar to the previous memory technique. For example, take the time when you first learn a person's name to actually tell yourself, "remember that". This signals your unconscious mind to rank this memory higher in importance.

10. Retrace and visualize your steps. When you forget something, like where you park your car, you probably retrace your steps to try and find it. This works, but try it in your mind first, as if you were watching yourself take these steps from a distance. Picture the steps you took to help keep you from blanking out your route.

Memory exercises or techniques are one way to improve your memory. In addition to mnemonics, or memory techniques, there are lifestyle changes that are beneficial for long term memory improvement.

• You can improve memory by reducing the stress in your life. Simplify your schedule, delegate more tasks to others, be sure and get regular exercise, and consider practicing meditation. Long term stress can interfere with your ability to concentrate and think clearly. This affects the ability to form lasting memories or to recall them later on.

• Be sure to get enough sleep. Sleep is important for many reasons. Your brain also uses its sleeping hours to place new information into your long term memory.

There are many tips and tricks for memory improvement and overall mental intelligence, but these are some simple exercises you can do to facilitate that process.