Why is My Memory so Bad? Ways to Improve Your Memory

Do you feel unsure how to improve short term memory, or the long-term one? To improve it, give your brain some strength while doing activities such as reading, writing, puzzles, crosswords, and card games. You may also try using mobile applications that enhance your brain, like the ones on dailyburn.com.

Find a new hobby, or gain some new skills, in order to stimulate your brain. Take up mentally challenging tasks so that new information can be safely stored, and never forgotten.

Do you wonder how to increase short term memory, and long term memory? Use songs, rhymes, acronyms, and different types of imagery to remember more complex information. For example, young children at school memorize information by constructing and singing various songs and poems.

Why is my short-term memory so bad? Maybe because you are trying to store more details in one go. With the large chunk of information received, take it and divide it into smaller chunks, rather than trying to memorize it as it is. Then, just focus on memorizing the small chunks one by one. Once you are comfortable with memorizaing one chunk, you can move to the next one.

Writing memos down on paper or even in your phone can greatly keep your memory and thoughts stored safely without stressing on remembering every little thing or information. For instance, it is vital to note all of your appointments somewhere, instead of trying to remember all the times and places of each appointment.

If you want to improve short-term memory and the long-term one, prefer associating new information to the one you already know (as if you are adding files to folders on your computer or smartphones), with a logical link between them. It will then be much harder for you to forget that information.

When trying to memorize a certain piece of information and you have a bad short-term memory, writing it down multiple times can help, as the data is stored inside the brain more effectively in that way.

Why is my memory so bad? Maybe because you are way too busy to focus on the information you want to memorize. The Memory Palace technique is a powerful and effective memory technique used since the time of the ancient Rome.

Follow these steps in order to master the technique:

1) Choose your Palace. Pick a place that you’re very familiar with. The effectiveness of the technique relies on your ability to mentally see and walk around in that place with ease. You should be able to ‘be there’ at will, using your mind’s eye only. A good choice is usually your own home.

2) List Distinctive Features. Pay attention to specific features in the place you chose. For example, the first noticeable feature would probably be a door. After you go through the door, what’s inside? Analyze the room step by step. What is the next feature that catches your attention? It may be the central table in the dining room, or a picture on the wall. Continue making mental notes of those features as you go. Each one of them will be a “memory slot” that you’ll later use to store a single piece of information.

3) Imprint the Palace on Your Mind. For the technique to work, the most important thing is to have the place or route 100% imprinted on your mind. Do whatever is necessary to memorize it well. If you’re a person who remembers details visually, you probably won’t have trouble with this.

4) Associate. Like most memory enhancement systems, the Memory Palace technique works with the use of visual associations. The process is simple: you take a known image, called the memory peg, and combine it with the element you want to memorize.

5) Visit Your Palace.  If you start from the same point and follow the same route, the memorized items will come to your mind instantly, as you look at the journey’s selected features. Walk from the beginning to the end of your route, paying attention to those features and replaying the scenes in your mind. When you get to the end of your route, turn around and walk in the opposite direction until you get to the starting point.

In the end, it’s all a matter of developing your visualization skills. The more relaxed you are, the easier and more effective your memorization will be.

You may find more details about this method on litemind.com.

If you have a bad short-term memory or a bad memory in general, try reading about and adopting memorization techniques. There are many books written by experts, which can surely help with memory problems. The Unlimited Memory: How to Use Advanced Learning Strategies to Learn Faster, Remember More and be More Productive by Kevin Horsley is one of them. You can buy this book on Amazon.

The "Link Method" is one of the easiest mnemonic techniques available that can help you deal with memory problems, and it is still quite powerful.

Taking the first image, imagine associations between items in a list. Although it is possible to remember lists of words where each word is just associated with the next, it is often best to fit the associations into a story, otherwise by forgetting just one association, the whole or the rest of the list can be lost, too.

As an example, you may want to remember a list of counties in the southern part of England:

Avon, Dorset, Somerset, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Devon, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Surrey

 This would rely on a series of images coding information:

• An AVON (Avon) lady knocking on a heavy oak DOoR (Dorset).
• The DOoR opens to show a beautiful SuMmER landscape with a SETting sun (Somerset).
• The setting sun shines down onto a field of CORN (Cornwall).
• The CORN is so dry it is beginning to WILT (Wiltshire).
• The WILTing stalks slowly fall onto the tail of the sleeping DEVil (Devon).
• On the DEVil's horn a woman has impailed a GLOSsy (Gloucestershire) HAM (Hampshire) when she hit him over the head with it.
• Now the Devil feels SoRRY (Surrey) he bothered her.

Note that there need not be any reason or underlying plot to the sequence of images -- all that is important are the images and the links between images.

Source: academictips.org

Why is my memory so bad? Probably because you are distracted by many external factors. If you want to learn how to improve short-term memory (and the long-term one, too) the "The Story Method" approach, an alternative to the link method which might be of great help.

As an example, you may want to remember a list of counties in the South of England:

Avon, Dorset, Somerset, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Devon, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Surrey

An AVON lady is walking up a path towards a strange house. She is hot and sweating slightly in the heat of high SUMMER (Somerset). Beside the path someone has planted giant CORN in a WALL (Cornwall), but it's beginning to WILT (Wiltshire) in the heat. She knocks on the DOoR (Dorset), which is opened by the DEVil (Devon). In the background she can see a kitchen in which a servant is smearing honey on a HAM (Hampshire), making in GLOSsy (Gloucestershire) and gleam in bright sunlight streaming in through a window. Panicked by seeing the Devil, the Avon lady panics, screams 'SoRRY' (Surrey), and dashes back down the path.

Given the fluid structure of this mnemonic, it is important that the images stored in your mind are as vivid as possible, and that significant, coding images are much stronger that ones that merely support the flow of the story. See the section on using mnemonics more effectively for further information on making images as strong as possible.

This technique is expanded by adding images to the story. After a number of images, however, the system may start to break down.

Source: academictips.org

When you meet someone and learn his or her name, use it as much as possible, but not aggressively, so as to remember it. For example, say “Nice to meet you, John,” "what is your favorite color Mary," etc. Also, use it when saying goodbye. Speaking the name a few times in between can also be fine, as long as you don't do it too often and things get awkward.

Psychiatrist and memory expert Dr. Gary Small suggests asking someone to spell his or her name, especially if it’s an unusual one. This technique can be especially helpful, if you memorize details visually, as it creates a mental picture of the person’s name.

If you have memory problems, especially related to memorizing people's faces, remember them by unique features. When trying to recall a face, focus on a unique or a familiar feature of it. This could be the eyes, nose, mouth or ears. Avoid hair, because it a feature that most people tend to modify frequently.

Physical inactivity can cause memory problems in 20s, memory problems in 30s, etc. Regular exercise enhances the circulation in the brain, and gives the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain a boost.

Daily workouts are recommended for many reasons, but most importantly because it gives your brain the strength to work on a higher level, which leads to improved memory.

Start running, swimming, biking, or just taking long walks, or simply integrate some sort of physical activity in daily routines, such as biking to work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

If you have memory problems in 20s, memory problems in 30s or even memory problems in 40s, you definitely need to consider getting some sleep. Sleeping is absolutely crucial for our brain to work and remember things. Strive to get seven to nine hours of good sleep. The less interruptions the better. Make your sleeping schedule a solid routine every night.

If you're misplacing car keys or eyeglasses on a regular basis, then try creating special spots for the items you frequently tend to lose. Make it a habit to always put these items in the exact same spot.

If you have issues with memorizing facts and you wonder "why is my short-term memory so bad?" it is possible that you don't revise too often. To study for an exam, start by reviewing all the information right after you read about them, preferably daily. With constant revision, you will have a better understanding of the data and it will be harder for you to forget it.

Stay away from alcohol and start consuming whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Low fat proteins such as fish, lean meat, and skinless chicken will give your memory the boost that it needs.

Rather than taking short-term memory loss medication, go out and socialize. Meet your friends more often, join a club, or volunteer. Having relationships stimulates your brain. Even having a pet such as a dog will do the trick.

Immediately add a person's name and details to your contacts after meeting him/her. By doing this, you may always check the person's name, in case you forget it.

What causes short-term memory loss? Lack of interest is one of the reasons. If you're not sincerely interested in the information you're trying to remember, you will certainly forget about it. You have to understand the importance of the information before trying to memorize it.

A mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information. A mind map is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the center of a blank page, to which associated representations of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those. This technique is extremely beneficial for learning and remembering complicated and large information.

To learn more about mindmaps, visit mindmapping.com

When trying to understand and memorize a long piece of text, study it paragraph by paragraph and summarize each of them. Memorization will be easier when you break the text into smaller chunks and analyze them.

Studies have shown that afternoon is the best time for someone to study, and demonstrate better results. So, the next time you construct a study plan, make sure to assign at least a couple of hours in the afternoon.

Forgetting things is pretty normal, so don't panic when it happens. However, when you observe that your memory is consistently getting worse, maybe it's time to visit a doctor, to check if it needs professional help and long-term or short-term memory loss medication.

Boris Sidis, the prodigy, said: “If you understand, you will remember”. So, before trying to memorize some complicated information, try to understand it first or you'll surely forget it afterwards.

Research conducted by Dr. Chuck Hillman of the University of Illinois provides evidence that about 20 minutes exercise before taking an exam can improve one's performance. Even a short walk can greatly improve your performance.

When you are studying and trying to memorize information, it would be a good idea to to actually speak out loud what you are reading. This way, it will be easier for you to remember what you are reading.

A great way to test if you really understand and remember something is to try to teach it to someone else. Try this with a friend of yours.

Limiting distractions while studying is key. Your phone and TV should be powered off, and your computer, too. However, if you need a computer to assist you while studying, avoid addicting websites like Facebook and Twitter. If you have trouble concentrating, you may want to check out the Cannot concentrate guide.

Just reading about something can end up being boring and mentally exhausting. Try to spice up things a bit, by watching a documentary on the topic you are studying about. This can be especially useful for subjects like history, biology, science and geography.

When your brain is working, you need to take regular breaks to help your brain absorb more information and, also, to keep yourself motivated and focused while you are studying. Take a short break after 45 minutes of studying as your focus will become impaired after this period. Your breaks should last about 15 minutes.

Listening to music while studying can really help some people focus on the subject. However, you should be careful to pick the correct genre of music. Classical music is recommended. If you can't listen to it, try to pick any calm and relaxing song with preferably no lyrics (instrumental).

While most people have a designated “study room”, information retention actually improves when you vary the places where you study. Avoid studying only in your room. Study a few times in the living room or even the garden! Libraries are also a great choice.

Practicing questions and exercises for your exam can train your brain to retrieve information. Try to simulate an exam situation using past exam questions you can find.

As strange as it may seem, your brain is capable of associating scents and tastes with certain information. For example, try chewing a gum with an unusual taste while studying a particular subject, and then chew a similar gum just before the exam. The information that you have acquired will emerge easier.

If you are not sure how to increase short-term memory, and remember as many details as possible, try studying in a group. Studying in a group can enhance your learning experience and retention. Not only will you be able to share some knowledge with your friends and solve problems together, it will also make studying much more interesting and fun!

Rather than buying short-term memory medication, try meditating. Studies show that meditation can help students stay focused when studying. Not only will meditation help you concentrate when studying, but it will also help reduce pre-exam stress, as it improves both mental and physical health.

Why is my short term memory so bad and is there any way of improving it? There are many ways and one of them is the Number/Rhyme technique. It is a very simple way of remembering a group of items in a specific order. It is an example of a peg system - i.e. a system whereby facts are 'pegged' to known sequences of cues (e.g. numbers from 1 to 10). This method ensures that no facts are forgotten (because possible gaps in information are too obvious), and that the starting images of the mnemonic visualisations are well know.

This technique works by helping you build up pictures in your mind, in which the numbers are represented by things that rhyme with the number, and are linked to images that stand for the things to be remembered.

The usual rhyming scheme is shown below:

  1 - Bun
  2 - Shoe
  3 - Tree
  4 - Door
  5 - Hive
  6 - Bricks
  7 - Heaven
  8 - Skate
  9 - Line
  10 - Hen

If you find that these images do not attract you or stick in your mind, then change them for something more meaningful to you.

These images should be linked to images representing the things to be remembered, for example a list of ten Greek philosophers could be remembered as:

1. Parmenides - a BUN topped with melting yellow PARMEsan cheese
2. Heraclitus - a SHOE worn by HERACLes (Greek Hercules) glowing with a bright LIghT
3. Empedocles - a TREE from which the M-shaped McDonalds arches hang hooking up a bicycle PEDal
4. Democritus - think of going through a DOOR to vote in a DEMOCRaTic election.
5. Protagoras - a bee HIVE being positively punched through (GORed?) by an atomic PROTon
6. Socrates - BRICKS falling onto a SOCk (with a foot inside!) from a CRATe.
7. Plato - a plate with angel's wings flapping around a white cloud
8. Aristotle  - a friend called hARRY clutching a bOTtLE of wine possessively slipping on a SKATE (sorry Harry!)
9. Zeno - a LINE of ZEN buddhists meditating
10. Epicurus  - a HEN's egg being mixed into an EPIleptics's CURe.

Try either visualising these images as suggested, or if you do not like them, come up with images of your own.

Once you have done this, try writing down the names of the philosophers on a piece of paper. You should be able to do this by thinking of the number, then the part of the image associated with the number, then the whole image, and finally then decode the image to give you the name of the philosopher. If the mnemonic has worked, you should not only recall the names of all the philosophers in the correct order, but should also be able to spot where you have left philosophers out of the sequence. Try it - it's easier than it sounds.

Source: http://www.academictips.org/memory/index.html

The Number/Shape system is very similar to the Number/Rhyme system. It is a very simple and effective way of remembering lists of items in a specific order, and is another example of a peg system.

This technique works by helping you to build up pictures in your mind, in which the numbers are represented by images shaped like the number, and are part of a compound image that also codes the thing to be remembered.

One image scheme is shown below:

1 - Candle, spear, stick
2 - Swan (beak, curved neck, body)
3 - (rotate shape though 90 degrees!)
4 - Sail of a yacht
5 - A meat hook, a sea-horse  facing right
6 - A golf club
7 - A cliff edge
8 - An egg timer
9 - A balloon with a string attached, flying freely
10 - A hole

If you find that these images do not attract you or stick in your mind, then change them for something more meaningful to you.

As with the Number/Rhyme scheme, these images should be linked to images representing the things to be remembered. We will use a list of more modern thinkers to illustrate the number/shape system:

1 - Spinoza - a large CANDLE wrapped around with someone's SPINe
2 - Locke - a SWAN trying to pick a LOCK with its wings
3 - Hume - a HUMan child BREAST feeding
4 - Berkeley - a SAIL on top of a large hooked and spiked BURR in the LEE of a cliff
5 - Kant - a CAN of spam hanging from a meat HOOK
6 - Rousseau - a kangaROO SEWing with a GOLF CLUB
7 - Hegel - a crooked trader about to be pushed over a CLIFF, HaGgLing to try to avoid being hurt
8 - Kierkegaard - a large EGG TIMER containing captain KIRK and a GuARD from the starship enterprise, as time runs out
9 - Darwin - a BALLOON floating upwards, being blown fAR by the WINd
10 - Marx - a HOLE with white chalk MARks around it's edge

Try either visualising these images as suggested, or if you do not like them, come up with images of your own.

In some cases, these images may be more vivid than those in the number/rhyme scheme, and in other cases you may find the number/rhyme scheme more memorable. There is no reason why you could not mix the most vivid images of each scheme together into your own compound scheme.

Source: academictips.org

The "Alphabet System" is a peg memory technique similar to, but more sophisticated than, the Number/Rhyme system. At its most basic level (i.e. without the use of mnemonic multipliers) it is a good method for remembering long lists of items in a specific order in such a way that missing items can be detected. It is slightly more difficult to learn than the Number based techniques.

This technique works by associating images representing and cued by letters of the alphabet with images representing the items to be remembered.

The selection of images representing letters is not based on the starting character of the letter name. Images are selected phonetically, so that the sound of the first syllablle of the image word is the name of the letter, e.g. we would represent the letter 'k' with the word 'cake'.

Tony Buzan in his book Using Your Memory suggests using a system of using the first pictorially vivid image suggested by taking the letter name root, and then coming up with words based by advancing the next consonant in alphabetic order (e.g. for the letter 'S' - root 'Es', we would first see if any strong images presented themselves when we tried to create a word starting with 'EsA', 'EsB', 'EsC', 'EsD', 'EsE', etc.) This has the advantage of producing a mnemonic image that can be reconstructed if forgotten, however you may judge that it is an unnecessary complication of a relatively simple system, and that it is best to select the strongest image that comes to mind and stick with it.

One image scheme is shown below:

A - Ace of spades
B - Bee
C - Sea
D - Diesel engine
E - Eagle
F - Effluent
G - Jeans
H - H-Bomb
I - Eye
J - Jade
K - Cake
L - Elbow
M - Empty
N - Entrance
O - Oboe
P - Pea
Q - Queue
R - Ark
S - Eskimo
T - Tea pot
U - Unicycle
V - Vehicle
W - WC
X - XRay
Y - Wire
Z - Zulu

If you find that these images do not attract you or stick in your mind, then change them for something more meaningful to you.

Once firmly visualised and linked to their root letters, these images can then be linked to the things to be remembered. Continuing our mnemonic example of the names of philosophers, we will use the example of remembering a list of contemporary thinkers:

A - Ace - Freud - a crisp ACE being pulled out of a FRying pan (FRiED)
B - Bee - Chomsky - a BEE stinging a CHiMp and flying off into the SKY
C - Sea - Genette - a GENerator being lifted in a NET out of the SEA
D - Diesel - Derrida - a DaRing RIDer surfing on top of a DIESEL train
E - Eagle   - Foucault - bruce lee fighting off an attacking EAGLE with kung FU
F - Effluent- Joyce - environmentalists JOYfully finding a plant by an EFFLUENT pipe
G - Jeans -   Nietzche - a holey pair of JEANS with a kNEe showing through
H - H-Bomb -  Kafka - a grey civil service CAFe being blown up by an H-bomb
etc.

Try either visualising these images as suggested, or if you do not like them, come up with images of your own. Although the images are quite laboured, they are good enough to give the cues for the names being coded.

Source: academictips.org