#5 Memory Tip: How To Remember Names, Places, and Numbers

   Remembering names, places and numbers becomes difficult for many of us over time due to various factors. Sometimes we attribute this to old age, lack of focus, or a diminished capacity of our memory to store information. However, research and studies have shown that the ability to remember or memorize incidents, events and information really depends on how we capture and store them. So if you are looking for ways to improve memory, there are certain techniques and trainings that can be followed. If you practice them regularly, you'll see an improvement in your memory skills. Here are some tips you can try and practice.

   Whenever you are introduced to someone new it is quite easy to store the visual image of their face and remember in the future because each face has distinct, recognizable features. However, remembering names can be challenging because it takes a certain degree of mental concentration to encode it in your memory along with the face. When you hear the person’s name, immediately repeat the name again and say it out loud. For example, if someone says, "Hello, my name is Jane Gonzales" you can respond, "Hello, Jane Gonzales, my name is Ellen Yakuba." You have to be listening both with your ears and registering the face with your eyes. If either your eyes or ears get distracted, naturally you won’t recall the person's name later. Keep repeating the name for some time by using it often when you are talking to that person.

   If you are trying to go to a place you went recently but find it hard to locate, you may need to brush up on your sense of direction. Observation, concentration and keeping a mental note of your surroundings are the keys to success here. Mental snapshots of the buildings, stores or streets you pass on the way, and especially prominent landmarks, should be noted. Keep going over the sequence as you travel, reminding yourself of the trip from start to finish. You might not remember if you observe only one side of the road, so make sure both directions are visualized. You can also keep recording the directions as you go along and write it down if there is time.

   If you've needed to write down a telephone number or street address but haven't had paper and pen handy, memory improvement techniques will help in the future. You'll be able to take notes directly in your mind. One of the most common techniques is "chunking" the numbers into twos and threes. This way you can memorize it easily. That is, rather than trying to memorize 04411253534, you can remember the sets 044 1125 3534 instead. Groups of two to four numbers are the easiest to recall. You can also link them with important dates like birthdates, anniversary dates wherever possible.

   In order to have an improved memory, regular use of these practice techniques are crucial. Currently, using memory software like Ultimate Memory ahs proven very helpful too. But it's also important to keep your physical brain health with a balanced diet and regular exercise. A healthy body is required for the brain to function normally.