YOUR MEMORY How it Works & How to Improve It

YOUR MEMORYHow it Works & How to Improve It Khaled M. Al-Ashmouny Seminar Presentation (May 1st, 2009)

OUTLINES • Introduction • What Can You Expect From You Memory - Ten Memory Myths • Getting A Better Memory • Eat Brain Foods, Play Brain Games, Do Regular Cardio Exercise • Use Memory Techniques • Get Enough Restful Sleep • Learn How to Meditate

INTRODUCTION What is Memory? Why remember and forget? Does it depend on What you learn? How can you remember more? Born with good or bad memory? Can you develop a photographic memory? How can you study more effectively? Can mnemonics improve your memory? Can a bad memory be improved? How can you set up and Use your own Mental Filing System?

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? You, too, can have a photographic memory! With this new miracle system, you will never again forget anything. It requires no work or willpower, and anyone can use it immediately. Once you learn this secret of a super-power memory you will be able to learn everything perfectly and effortlessly! Memory Myths can affect what you expect from you Memory

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory Memory is a thing: we cannot cut open a person’s head and say, “That’s a good, healthy-looking memory”. It is a process and not an object. At least 3 memory systems: Sensory, short-term, and long-term. There are also motor memories. So, it is not something that we are making stronger or bigger.

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory • There is a secret to a good memory: Do not expect to find the answer in any memory training! “Unrealistic Expectation” – Carpenter Example • There is no single secret. There are many techniques required. • Many circumstances determine what memory method is best to use to learn materials. (Who? What? How measured? What kind of remembering? How long is required?) • How can I improve my memory?  there is no useful answer until I am more specific.

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory • There is an Easy Way to Memorize: Remembering is hard work, and memory techniques do not necessary make it easy, they just make it “More Effective” – • Remembering is a learned skill  Improving memory is like developing any other skill. You must work at it by learning the appropriate techniques and practicing them. • Plan to expend some effort if you really want to benefit from the principles and systems for Memory Improvement.

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory • Some People are Stuck with Bad Memories: You do not even have a memory. Even if you look at memory as a skill, it is not true you are stuck with the memory you have. • There are differences between people in natural memory ability. But these differences are less important than the memory skills a person has learned. • For example, think of memory as cardboard box. • So using memory skills files the memories in your mind in an organized way. • Of all the memory myths, believing you are stuck with a bad memory is one of the worst because it stops you from trying. Don't believe it - you can improve your memory.

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory • Some People have Photographic Memories: they are almost always using memory skills to remember information. • In his book, Dr. Higbee tells of a demonstration he does using memory techniques. He tells an audience that he will memorize the first 50 pages of any magazine in 3 hours. • When tested, he remembered what article is on every page, what pictures are on the pages, who the authors of the articles are, what the name is of the main character on page 17, and so on. He can answer almost any question about the magazine, and audience members often ask him if he has a photographic memory. • He does not. He uses the memory skills to study and memorize the magazine. This is something anyone can do.

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory • You are Too Old/Young to Improve Your Memory: no such thing like that. • While it is true that some people find remembering a more difficult as they age, anyone can learn new things. A elderly person who uses memory skills can actually remember better than a 20 year old who does not! • No matter what your age, “you still have the ability to learn”.

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory • Memory is like a muscle and benefit from Exercise: no evidence for that. • What will improve your memory is practicing memorizing using the memory skills. • One classic study discovered that 3 hours of practice memorizing did not improve long-term memory, but 3 hours of practice using memory techniques did improve long-term memory. • So rather than blindly practicing rote memorization, “learn the memory techniques”.

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory • A trained Memory Never Forgets: Once you train your memory, you will be able to remember things you want to remember. • If you learn memory skills, you will still forget things, too. But you will remember things better than other people, and you will remember things better than you used to. • Research suggests that no one ever forgets anything. Everything we experience is buried deep in our minds. The problem is that we cannot get the information out when we need it. • Memory skills give you the “hookthat lets you get the information out when you need it. Learn them!

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory • Remembering Too much can Clutter your Mind: Your ability to remember does not really depend on how much information is in your mind. Actually, it depends on how well organized the information is. • Our brains can store an almost unlimited amount of information. But if the information in your mind is disorganized, it will be harder to remember things. • In some ways, the more you learn about something, the easier it is to learn more about it. Someone who is an expert in a subject has an easier time learning new facts about it that someone unfamiliar with the subject. • Learning new things does not "fill up" the mind. “the storage capacity of your memory is virtually unlimited”

What Can You Expect from Your Memory? 10 Myths about Memory • People only use 10% of their Mind: No research to support this. • First of all, scientists do not agree on how to measure brain power and memory. So no one can accurately say how much of our brains we do not use. • The important point is that most people probably don't use all of their brain's potential. Therefore, the author believes that by training our memories we can all improve our learning and memory. • “Now that you know the truth about these myths, why not start improving your memory today? “

Getting A Better Memory Brain Foods for Memory • Your neurons can put new branches and make new connections no matter what your age: • Healthy Fats – Build your brain: Omega-3 fatty acids (cold-water fish), canola oil, soybeans, walnuts, wheatgerm, eggs, and flaxseed oil • Antioxidants – Protect your brain: merge with free radicals in the blood and make them harmless (tea, blueberries and other berries, red grapes, tomatoes, broccoli, garlic, spinach, carrots, whole grains, and soy) • High-Tyrosine Proteins – Spark your brain (neurotransmitters): seafood, meat, eggs, soy and dairy products. • Water – Hydrate your brain (3~4 lit/day) • Vitamins and Minerals – Brain Building Blocks • Fiber – Regulate your fuel supply (helps slow the absorption of sugar from your diet)

Getting A Better Memory Use Memory Techniques Keyword Method.A very effective for memorizing vocabulary definitions or foreign languages. Peg Method. Another very useful method for memorizing lists of information. Link Method.Great for quickly memorizing lists of any length or any kind. Loci or Journey Method.A simple memory system that links new information to routes or locations you already know well. Face-Name Method.The amazing technique used by memory performers to memorize the names of dozens of people at a time. Phonetic Method.The special system you can use to memorize long numbers effectively. Bible Verses.This Rote Memory system can help you memorize Bible verses more easily.

Getting A Better Memory Use Memory Techniques • With memory systems, you can build a filing cabinet in your mind • If you've never used memory techniques before, this video was probably a real eye-opener. (http://www.memory-improvement-tips.com/memory-systems.html ) • When you need to remember a particular item, you first recall the label. This is easy because pictures are much easier to remember than words or abstract concepts

Getting A Better Memory Get More Sleep • Log your sleep hours • Kick the late-night TV habit • Go easy on the late-night video games • Take naps. • Cut back on hobbies Get Better Sleep Go easy on caffeine during the day. Darken your bedroom. Eliminate allergy problems. Replace that mattress. Try journaling before you fall asleep. Crank up the mood machine. Take a hot shower or bath before bed. Avoid the midnight snack.

Getting A Better Memory Meditation and Memory New research shows that regular meditation changes the physical structure of your brain in powerful ways - including ways that improve memory Studies at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston have shown that regular meditation causes the brain's cerebral cortex to thicken. This happens through an increase in the size of the blood vessels and the amount of blood flow to the region. It sharpens your focus and memory

Thank you Questions?

YOUR MEMORY How it Works & How to Improve It