Excel Training & Consulting

Memory is the ability of the mind and brain to REGISTER, RETAIN & RECALL  sensations, thoughts, information and knowledge. Its possible to exercise your memory muscle's, and here is how to do it:

Memory is the act of memorising or remembering.

1. Trust Your Memory

What are your beliefs about your memory? Are you continually using phrases like, ‘I’ve got a terrible memory’ or ‘I just can’t remember anyone’s name’? Remember if memory is the act of memorising, it is more important to focus on what strategies, techniques and principles you can utilise in order to remember what you want to remember, rather than using an inaccurate generalisation by labelling yourself as having a ‘bad memory’.

The first step to having a good memory is to completely eradicate any negative beliefs or utterances about your memory. Begin to tell yourself you have a fantastic memory and start catching yourself whenever you have been served well by your memory. This is important as the unconscious mind takes things literally - it just accepts whatever you tell it, regardless of whether you believe it or not.

Accept that you already have a remarkable memory! Think of all the songs, movies, names, events and activities you can remember so easily and realise that it’s not your memory that is at fault, more likely that you may be taking what you can remember for granted.

2. Exercise Your Memory

The building blocks of the human brain are called neurons. One neuron fires off electrical and chemical energy to the next neuron. How do we keep our neurons firing? By keeping our brain active. Read, listen, do...whatever it takes. This is especially important if you’re retired or mentally inactive. Consider your neurons to be like muscles. What happens to a muscle that isn’t exercised? It becomes flacid. Neurons are like muscles. Use them and you’ll be utilising the incredible potential of your brain. We have approximately 100 billion neurons and each one of those neurons is capable of making up to 50 000 connections. Keep your L plate on in life. Never stop learning, irrespective of your age or position in life.

3. Get Physical

What you eat can play a role in how effective your memory is. Foods high in fat or sugar, refined foods, or large meals can make you not only physically sluggish, but mentally sluggish as well.

If you have a meeting, interview or exam coming up, eat light foods such as fruit or salad so that you are able to perform at your mental peak.

Moving your body is extremely important for your brain (NSW uni study). Light physical exercise has also proven to be beneficial for the brain.

4. Remain Organised

Basic organisational skills such as filing or having efficient systems can be a good aid to memory. Free yourself from external clutter.

Having basic systems set-up can make it a lot easier for you in the area of memory. The brain is very good at making associations. For example, if you put your keys on top of the fridge a few times the brain will quickly establish a link between keys and the fridge. Take advantage of this!