Five Established Memory Boosters
Can’t remember where you left your car keys again? 1[■] And as smartphones and tablets make it possible to outsource memory storage to our devices, the act of forgetting may be easier than ever. But scientists are still discovering how everyday actions can lead to enhancements in our overall memory capacity. Here are a few simple tips for mastering your memory:
GET SOME SLEEP. As we’re sleeping, our brains change recent experiences into long-term memory, a process known as consolidation. 2[■] A 2014 Science study found mice that slept after acquiring a new task were able to preserve the memory better than their counterparts lacking in sleep.
EXERCISE REGULARLY. If you need another reason to hit the gym, regular exercise-specifically, [aerobic exercise](http://dict. youdao. com/w/eng/aerobic_exercise/#keyfrom=dict. basic. syno)-has been shown to enhance memory recall, particularly in young adults. For older adults, it can even put off brain shrinkage.
EAT MORE BERRIES. 3[■] A growing body of research suggests that snacking on strawberries, blueberries and blackberries can boost the brain’s communication pathways. And eating berries, according to a 2012 study, could actually slow memory decline caused by aging.
SAY IT OUT LOUD. 4[■] But researchers have learned that saying them out loud - rather than reading information silently-can result in a major memory upgrade. If you’re feeling shy, you can also try typing or writing it out, too.
GO TO YOUR MEMORY PALACE. 5[■] One of these is the method of loci(轨迹记忆法), or the visualizing of information as major stops along a mental journey, like an imaginary walk through your childhood home. A 2017 study found that this technique actually reshapes different networks of the brain to better support memory.