You can improve your memory by learning <a href="https://www.developgoodhabits.com/new-skills-to-learn/">new things</a>. Your brain is like a muscle because it gets stronger with exercise. When you’re learning something new, you’re giving your mind the challenge it needs to develop.So, ask yourself, what have you’ve always wanted to learn? Choose something new and challenging. It should also be rewarding and allow you to progress from novice to expert.For example, learn a new language, photography, guitar, or take martial arts classes. Try anything you haven’t done before, and that isn’t too easy because you have to push yourself to grow. After you master it, move on to something new.

Challenge your memory with something new

If you want to learn something, test yourself more than you study. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0034654316689306">Research</a> proves that <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/4-reasons-why-quizzing-is-important-for-students-117082000164_1.html">taking a quiz helps you absorb</a> more information than reading or writing!

Study less, quiz more

While you sleep, your brain is hard at work cleaning and storing memories. Research shows that if you take a nap after you study, you’ll remember more and learn faster. Furthermore, during <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/getting-better-sleep.htm">sleep</a>, your brain performs necessary maintenance and memory-building.

Upgrade your memory while you sleep

<a href="https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart.aspx">Research</a> shows that if you study in small bursts, you’ll remember more than if you crammed it all at once. When you have breaks between short learning sessions, you have <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/12/smarter-living/how-to-improve-your-memory-even-if-you-cant-find-your-car-keys.html">the time to process</a> and store the information. Also, it helps to space them out.

Build your memory in small bursts

<img width="725" height="725" src="https://i2.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/featured-1.jpg?fit=757%2C750&amp;ssl=1&amp;is-pending-load=1" alt="9 Proven Ways to Boost Your Memory" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"><UL><LI>Reading time:6 mins read</LI></UL> A spectacular memory will always be a highly valuable quality for anyone to gain. However, some people make the mistake of not memorizing things after they finish school. As a result, their ability to recall important information dwindles.Moreover, it’s a highly competitive world out there. If you’ve only studied the same subjects everyone else has, you won’t stand out. So, it’s best if you continue learning throughout life.<figure><img src="https://i0.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/people-coffee-meeting-team-7096.jpg?resize=503%2C335&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="studying" width="503" height="503" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure>Even more, a good memory is essential for you to remember what you study. Otherwise, you’ll waste lots of time struggling to learn new concepts only to forget them afterward.<figure><img width="640" height="640" src="https://i2.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/apple-check-computer-female-7079.jpg?resize=640%2C423&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="memory-helps" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure>Overall, life runs smoother when you can remember crucial information. Plus, you’ll keep your brain in top shape and always have a wealth of knowledge at your disposal!It’s important to realize that you can improve your memory at any age! So, let’s get started!<h3>
The
following scientifically
proven
methods
will give
your memory an
upgrade:</h3><h2 dir="ltr">1.
Challenge
your memory with
something new</h2><figure><img src="https://i2.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/man-standing-under-tree-3527074.jpg?resize=333%2C499&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="learn-new-things" width="333" height="333" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure><BLOCKQUOTE> “I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”– Pablo Picasso</BLOCKQUOTE> You can improve your memory by learning <a href="https://www.developgoodhabits.com/new-skills-to-learn/" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">new things</a>. Your brain is like a muscle because it gets stronger with exercise. When you’re learning something new, you’re giving your mind the challenge it needs to develop. So, ask yourself, what have you’ve always wanted to learn? Choose something new and challenging. It should also be rewarding and allow you to progress from novice to expert. For example, learn a new language, photography, guitar, or take martial arts classes. Try anything you haven’t done before, and that isn’t too easy because you have to push yourself to grow. After you master it, move on to something new.<h2>2.
Study
less, quiz more</h2><figure><img src="https://i0.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/businessman-man-space-desk-7059.jpg?resize=391%2C260&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="quiz-more-memory" width="391" height="391" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure><BLOCKQUOTE>“The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.” – Albert Einstein</BLOCKQUOTE>If you want to learn something, test yourself more than you study. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0034654316689306" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">Research</a> proves that <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/4-reasons-why-quizzing-is-important-for-students-117082000164_1.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">taking a quiz helps you absorb</a> more information than reading or writing! When you keep asking your brain question, it has to find where it’s stored. Then it’s easier to remember where to retrieve it the next time.<h2>3. Upgrade your memory while you sleep</h2><figure><img src="https://i1.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-of-woman-in-white-tank-top-lying-on-bed-923310.jpg?resize=528%2C351&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="get-some-memory-boosting-sleep" width="528" height="528" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure><BLOCKQUOTE> “Change is the end result of all true learning.” ― Leo Buscaglia</BLOCKQUOTE>While you sleep, your brain is hard at work cleaning and storing memories. Research shows that if you take a nap after you study, you’ll remember more and learn faster. Furthermore, during <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/getting-better-sleep.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">sleep</a>, your brain performs necessary maintenance and memory-building.However, sleep-deprivation diminishes your memory, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking abilities.<h2>4. Build your memory in small bursts</h2><figure><img width="640" height="640" src="https://i0.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/woman-desk-macbook-pro-pen-68761.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="study-in-bursts" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure><BLOCKQUOTE> “Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes</BLOCKQUOTE><a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" href="https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart.aspx" dir="ltr">Research</a> shows that if you study in small bursts, you’ll remember more than if you crammed it all at once. When you have breaks between short learning sessions, you have <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/12/smarter-living/how-to-improve-your-memory-even-if-you-cant-find-your-car-keys.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">the time to process</a> and store the information. Also, it helps to space them out. So, you can’t dump staggering amounts of knowledge into your brain and absorb everything. You need time to marinate and soak it all in beforehand.<a aria-label="In one experiment (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart.aspx" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">In one experiment</a>, researchers had participants study a subject. Then they sat in a quiet, dark room for a few minutes.Afterward, they took tests to see how much they remembered, and the results were shocking. Their recall increased from 10% to 30%!<figure><img src="https://i0.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/turned-on-grey-table-lamp-1643280.jpg?resize=432%2C324&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="dark-room" width="432" height="432" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure>Furthermore, this even worked for people who had traumatic brain injuries. In fact, their results soared from 7% to a jaw-dropping 79%! So, take breaks!<h2 dir="ltr">5. Teach someone else</h2><figure><img src="https://i2.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/woman-in-black-blazer-looking-at-woman-in-grey-blazer-1181529.jpg?resize=500%2C333&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="teach-others" width="500" height="500" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure><BLOCKQUOTE>“Explain what you learned to someone else. Teaching forces learning.” – Naval Ravikant</BLOCKQUOTE>One of the best ways to learn something is to teach it to someone else. It might sound strange, but this helps you understand and remember the information when you explain it to others. As a result, you end up teaching yourself also!Otherwise, you can explain it to yourself by writing it down.<h2>6. Calm down</h2><figure><img src="https://i0.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/silhouette-of-man-sitting-on-grass-field-at-daytime-775417.jpg?resize=411%2C274&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="relax" width="411" height="411" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure><BLOCKQUOTE>“Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.” — Leonardo da Vinci</BLOCKQUOTE><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-your-memory-4158323" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">Stress</a> damages your memory by deteriorating your hippocampus, and that’s where you store and retrieve memories.<figure><img src="https://i0.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-1569235186275-626cb53b83ce.jpeg?fit=1024%2C681&amp;ssl=1&amp;is-pending-load=1" alt="memory-files" width="365" height="365" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure>The hippocampus is like a secretary that stores, sorts, and retrieves memory files for you. It has an essential job to do, so it must be at its best. Otherwise, how are you going to access the memory file? Thus, it’s almost useless to try learning things when you’re stressed out. Oddly enough, <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/25-most-stressful-things-about-college_b_579a56efe4b07066ba1e5034" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">college tends to be one of the most stressful times in life</a>.<h3>7. Try mindfulness meditation</h3> Therefore, whenever you feel those familiar stress chemicals rising, <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/mindfulness-meditation-88369" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">try mindfulness meditation</a>. It will calm you down and strengthen your hippocampus. <figure><img width="290" height="290" src="https://i2.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/woman-meditating-in-bedroom-3772612.jpg?resize=290%2C380&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="meditate" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure><a href="https://motivatedprogress.com/8-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-meditation/" dir="ltr">Meditation is easy</a>! First, sit somewhere comfortable and close your eyes. Next, focus only on the present moment and your breathing. If you get distracted with a thought, then let it pass and return your attention to your breath. Repeat as necessary. Voila!<h2>8. Improve memory with mnemonic devices</h2><div class="embed-placeholder" data-type="youtube" data-id="Js5Tm1y0igY"></div><BLOCKQUOTE> “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin</BLOCKQUOTE>Don’t let the name <a href="https://motivatedprogress.com/5-powerful-ways-to-crush-your-fear/" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">scare you</a>; mnemonic<a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/memory-and-mnemonic-devices/" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr"> devices</a> are simple methods to help you remember information. Mnemonics work by linking new concepts to something you’re familiar with already. For instance, you can use rhymes to recall facts you usually couldn’t.<h3>Other
kinds of mnemonic devices are:</h3><UL><LI> The count system (linking numbers with a series of items)</LI><LI> The major system (converting numbers into consonant sounds)</LI><LI> Visual systems (creating a visual representation of the information)</LI><LI> The mnemonic link system (creating a story based on a list)</LI></UL>So, if you’re a visual learner, then visualize the concepts you’re trying to learn.<figure><img src="https://i1.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-of-woman-wearing-leather-jacket-2846764.jpg?resize=306%2C444&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="visualize-information" width="306" height="306" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure><BLOCKQUOTE>“A memory is made up of pieces of information taken in and processed by the brain in a way that is unique to each individual.” ―&nbsp;David Thomas</BLOCKQUOTE>Your visual memory is much more powerful than you might think. Take advantage of this by spending extra time looking at graphs, photos, or infographics of the topic. Also, visualize the information as you read, then draw it later. Flashcards are great memory-boosters too.<h2 dir="ltr">9.
Mix it up</h2><figure><img src="https://i1.wp.com/motivatedprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/woman-in-red-long-sleeve-shirt-and-gray-pants-sitting-on-3665410.jpg?resize=359%2C431&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1" alt="mix-it-up" width="359" height="359" srcset="data:image/gif;base64, https://motivatedprogress.com/9-proven-ways-to-boost-your-memory/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7"></figure><BLOCKQUOTE> “As long as you live, keep learning how to live.” – Seneca</BLOCKQUOTE> When you change where you study, you stimulate your memory to work more effectively. If you move to another area to learn, you’ll remember more information. Also, try studying at different times.In short, if you practice the above techniques, you’ll build a remarkable ability to remember what you’ve been trying to learn. You’ve also got to believe that you can remember what you study.When you have a fine-tuned memory, it’ll be easier to learn things, and you’ll be calmer and more productive!For more life-changing posts like this, <a href="https://motivatedprogress.com/subscribe/" rel="noreferrer noopener" dir="ltr">subscribe</a>, and you’ll get a new article every week! Save<div ;"="">Join the Motivated Progress tribe and get a life-changing article every week!</div><h3>Share this:</h3>

A powerful memory is vital to success. Luckily, if you practice these proven methods, you can build a remarkable ability to recall anything!

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

<ul><li>Reading time: 6 mins read </li> </ul>

A spectacular memory will always be a highly valuable quality for anyone to gain. However, some people make the mistake of not memorizing things after they finish school. As a result, their ability to recall important information dwindles.

Moreover, it’s a highly competitive world out there. If you’ve only studied the same subjects everyone else has, you won’t stand out. So, it’s best if you continue learning throughout life.

Even more, a good memory is essential for you to remember what you study. Otherwise, you’ll waste lots of time struggling to learn new concepts only to forget them afterward.

Overall, life runs smoother when you can remember crucial information. Plus, you’ll keep your brain in top shape and always have a wealth of knowledge at your disposal!

It’s important to realize that you can improve your memory at any age! So, let’s get started!

The following scientifically proven methods will give your memory an upgrade:

1.  Challenge your memory with  something new

“I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

You can improve your memory by learning <a href="https://www.developgoodhabits.com/new-skills-to-learn/">new things </a>. Your brain is like a muscle because it gets stronger with exercise. When you’re learning something new, you’re giving your mind the challenge it needs to develop.

So, ask yourself, what have you’ve always wanted to learn? Choose something new and challenging . It should also be rewarding and allow you to progress from novice to expert.

For example, learn a new language, photography, guitar, or take martial arts classes. Try anything you haven’t done before, and that isn’t too easy because you have to push yourself to grow. After you master it, move on to something new.

“The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.”

If you want to learn something, test yourself more than you study. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0034654316689306">Research </a>proves that <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/4-reasons-why-quizzing-is-important-for-students-117082000164_1.html">taking a quiz helps you absorb </a>more information than reading or writing!

When you keep asking your brain question, it has to find where it’s stored. Then it’s easier to remember where to retrieve it the next time.

“Change is the end result of all true learning.” ― Leo Buscaglia

While you sleep, your brain is hard at work cleaning and storing memories. Research shows that if you take a nap after you study, you’ll remember more and learn faster. Furthermore, during <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/getting-better-sleep.htm">sleep </a>, your brain performs necessary maintenance and memory-building.

However, sleep-deprivation diminishes your memory, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking abilities.

“Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

<a href="https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart.aspx">Research </a>shows that if you study in small bursts, you’ll remember more than if you crammed it all at once. When you have breaks between short learning sessions, you have <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/12/smarter-living/how-to-improve-your-memory-even-if-you-cant-find-your-car-keys.html">the time to process </a>and store the information. Also, it helps to space them out.

So, you can’t dump staggering amounts of knowledge into your brain and absorb everything. You need time to marinate and soak it all in beforehand.

<a href="https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart.aspx">In one experiment </a>, researchers had participants study a subject. Then they sat in a quiet, dark room for a few minutes.

Afterward, they took tests to see how much they remembered, and the results were shocking. Their recall increased from 10% to 30%!

Furthermore, this even worked for people who had traumatic brain injuries. In fact, their results soared from 7% to a jaw-dropping 79%! So, take breaks!

“Explain what you learned to someone else. Teaching forces learning.”

– Naval Ravikant

One of the best ways to learn something is to teach it to someone else. It might sound strange, but this helps you understand and remember the information when you explain it to others. As a result, you end up teaching yourself also!

Otherwise, you can explain it to yourself by writing it down.

“Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.” — Leonardo da Vinci

<a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-your-memory-4158323">Stress </a>damages your memory by deteriorating your hippocampus, and that’s where you store and retrieve memories.

The hippocampus is like a secretary that stores, sorts, and retrieves memory files for you. It has an essential job to do, so it must be at its best. Otherwise, how are you going to access the memory file? Thus, it’s almost useless to try learning things when you’re stressed out. Oddly enough, <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/25-most-stressful-things-about-college_b_579a56efe4b07066ba1e5034">college tends to be one of the most stressful times in life </a>.

Therefore, whenever you feel those familiar stress chemicals rising, <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/mindfulness-meditation-88369">try mindfulness meditation </a>. It will calm you down and strengthen your hippocampus.

<a href="https://motivatedprogress.com/8-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-meditation/">Meditation is easy </a>! First, sit somewhere comfortable and close your eyes. Next, focus only on the present moment and your breathing. If you get distracted with a thought, then let it pass and return your attention to your breath. Repeat as necessary. Voila!

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

Don’t let the name <a href="https://motivatedprogress.com/5-powerful-ways-to-crush-your-fear/">scare you </a>; mnemonic<a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/memory-and-mnemonic-devices/">devices </a>are simple methods to help you remember information. Mnemonics work by linking new concepts to something you’re familiar with already. For instance, you can use rhymes to recall facts you usually couldn’t.

<ul><li>The count system (linking numbers with a series of items) </li><li>The major system (converting numbers into consonant sounds) </li><li>Visual systems (creating a visual representation of the information) </li><li>The mnemonic link system (creating a story based on a list) </li> </ul>

So, if you’re a visual learner, then visualize the concepts you’re trying to learn.

“A memory is made up of pieces of information taken in and processed by the brain in a way that is unique to each individual.” ― David Thomas

Your visual memory is much more powerful than you might think. Take advantage of this by spending extra time looking at graphs, photos, or infographics of the topic. Also, visualize the information as you read, then draw it later. Flashcards are great memory-boosters too.

“As long as you live, keep learning how to live.”

When you change where you study, you stimulate your memory to work more effectively. If you move to another area to learn, you’ll remember more information. Also, try studying at different times.

In short, if you practice the above techniques, you’ll build a remarkable ability to remember what you’ve been trying to learn. You’ve also got to believe that you can remember what you study.

When you have a fine-tuned memory, it’ll be easier to learn things, and you’ll be calmer and more productive!

For more life-changing posts like this, <a href="https://motivatedprogress.com/subscribe/">subscribe </a>, and you’ll get a new article every week!

9 Proven Ways to Boost Your Memory ⋆ Motivated Progress

Challenge your memory with something new

Study less, quiz more

Upgrade your memory while you sleep

Build your memory in small bursts

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