How to Increase your Memory

As we age our memory, or more precisely our ability to memorize, declines. Aging neurons are not replaced and therefore our capacity to memorize, recall, and even recognize somewhat diminishes. This is a natural physiologic process and is part and parcel of growing old. There are, however, degenerative diseases which does affect memory but these are pathological conditions and they can occur at any age. Before we begin our post on how to increase or improve our memory power let's make a clear concept of what memory is and the types of memory ( what, you didn't know there are several types of memory?)

Ever lost sleep trying to recall the name of somebody you ran into at the local supermarket? You know it's at the tip of your tongue you just can't remember who that person was. You RECOGNIZE her but can't RECALL her name. This case scenario happens to everybody and it's nothing new. Well there are essentially several types of memory but are categorized into two groups; that of short term memory, and that of long term memory. Long term memory can be further divided into explicit, implicit, and autobiographical memories. Let' just say, to make things simple, that short term memory is your "working" memory. It's what you remember on a day to day basis. It allows you to function with familiarity and continuity. Long term memory, on the other hand, is STORED memory and are often more complex than short term memory in that they involve more detail and are stored in different memory systems. Short term memory does not have this ability to be stored so if you stopped doing something for a while you will probably forget how to do it next time around. However, if you've been playing baseball all your life, you'll never forget how to play it. See the difference.

But enough of the medical lingo now and let's get to HOW WE CAN IMPROVE OUR MEMORY OR ABILITY TO MEMORIZE. The brain, being an organ in and of itself also needs "EXERCISE" You have to get into the habit of trying to recall things in order to work your memory. You can also do mental exercises like a crossword puzzle, perhaps, which hones your ability to think for sustained periods as well as increase your span of ATTENTION. The first step to increasing your memory is to INCREASE YOUR ATTENTIVENESS. Most of us go through a day without even paying much attention to the little moments and details which comprise our day. We simply want to hurry things along to get them over with. Sometimes completion is more important than procedures for us.

The next is perhaps the most obvious and the most overlooked; and that is optimal health. Your brain consumes a lot of what you take in and if you eat poorly or excessively ( both ends of the spectrum), your mental state of mind also suffers.
Eat to sustain your body ONLY. Eat right, exercise frequently, and eradicate any vices you might have. Foods high in iron, minerals such as folic acid, and B-vitamins increase brain power. Lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking, and fatigue decreases it.

As I mentioned earlier, try to do mental exercises. Do the crossword puzzle on your morning paper. This allows you to exercise rote memory as well as retrieval from your long term memory stores. Another exercise you can certainly do is be an avid reader. Be wide read but not bookish ( if you know what I mean). You don't want to be called a bookworm now do you?

Increasing your ability to memorize names, things, places, concepts, and even detailed information like numbers comes with continual practice. You can associate things with other familiar objects to make memorizing them easier. You can also make a song out of a slew of information. Anything silly will be memorable so keep that in mind. Until our next post, you guys take care.

How You Look Matters

Nothing exudes confidence better than your appearance. First impressions are hard to forget and most likely the lasting ones. If you're going to put your best foot forward, start by looking the part first. What am I talking about here? Am I suggesting that you go out and get a copy of that fall fashion catalog you saw your neighbor perusing over the other day? Appearance, folks is not just based on how you look. It's how you carry yourself. It's the way you talk. Do you talk with the utmost confidence or just simply mumble your words? It's also the way you project your personality towards others. These and your outward appearance can say a ton about you ( and consequently mean being hired or having your application relegated to the "other" stack).

The first order of the day is learning how to broaden your vocabulary. Strengthening your word power can project intellectuality but more importantly it shows you are a willing learner. Be a wide reader and try to look up confounding words if you can. Also, how you answer can mean a lot. If you are asked a yes or no question then give a yes or no answer. If asked to elaborate further then do so. Don't go beyond the scope of the question because your answers will fall on deaf ears.

Secondly, personal hygiene and grooming are essential. They indicate whether you are health conscious and look after yourself. Tidiness at the workplace and home can also say a lot of your character. Individuals who are detail-conscious are goal oriented and this sort of work ethic can mean the difference between coming up with solutions or being barraged with endless suggestions. Remember that hard work builds character.

Thirdly, power dress yourself but don't overdo it. Keep your wardrobe simple and don't accessorize to the point of vanity. Wearing loud colors won't help either. On a job interview black is the gold standard. Keeping your wardrobe pressed and free of stains speaks volumes of your projected image. You don't want to look like you do at 5 o'clock when it's only 9 a.m. in the morning now do you? Also. don't over accessorize. Use soft glow colors and less printed fabrics.

Lastly, learn to speak and act with positivity. Stand tall and exude confidence. Be humble yet sure, be friendly yet reserved, be open and willing yet non-compromising. So you see, it's not JUST the way you look that reflects who and what you are. Of course don't get caught in your local supermarket wearing your house scrubs. Always look your best and be at your best. You'll never know when you will be caught off guard and unawares. Project an image that says what you want other people to think of you. Carry yourself appropriately and accordingly. Never loose your calm in any situation. How you look matters because how you are seen ( especially for the first time) already instills an 80% image in the mind's eye of the casual observer. So look your best. Until our next post,folks.