Secret to unlocking the brain’s long-term memory — according to neuroscience
Practical Insights for Memory Improvement
Had there ever been a moment you so desperately wanted to recall something, perhaps someone’s name, but nothing came to your memory?
It’s like there was no information in the first place.
I don’t know about you. But It happens to me all the time, and believe me, it’s very frustrating.
Like, it can be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to impress an audience or someone special.
But damn, my underdeveloped brain ruins the moment all the time.
However, no more. I have been researching for quite some time now to find the solution to this predicament.
I have come to know three ways by which you can easily unlock the brain’s long-term memory and make your life a bit easier for yourself.
How Brain Storage Works?
To fully grasp the science behind the brain’s long-term memory, we must understand how it works and stores memory.
The functioning of the brain’s long-term memory can be easily understood by the analogy of computers. Computers store their temporary data in RAM (short-term memory), which is then sent to the hard drives where it is permanently saved (long-term memory).
Similarly, our memory files are stored in our brain’s hippocampus and cortex for long periods.
These brain parts can hold thoughts and information for decades and can be fetched when needed.
But the question remains: how does the brain store memory?
One study on zebrafish’s brain suggested that rearranging brain wires (nerves) forms memories. This rearrangement is done by making and breaking synapses here and there.
However, the initial retention is in your short-term memory, and then, through practice, rehearsal, association, and experience, the data flows into your long-term memory.
Remember Everything
Although it’s hard, remembering things for an extended period is not impossible.
Different people suggest different ways for long-term retention, and maybe they all are correct in their tracks.
However, in this article, I will put forward three definite ways that I have been practicing for months and have helped me hold information indefinitely.
1. Put things in writing
It’s very common to forget things when you need them the most. The easiest way to overcome this problem is to write it down in Google Keep or any journal. Writing it down almost immediately is preferable, but if you can’t, commit to the paper on the same day.
This technique is very powerful as you don’t have to worry about forgetting it later. And even if that’s the case, you can always review your draft.
2. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
The Human Brain’s Memory is so volatile that it can only hold seven pieces of information for less than 30 seconds.
That’s why John Medina (author of Brain’s Rule) suggested that remembering to repeat is the optimal way to ensure long-term retention.
I personally used this technique and it has done wonders for me. You can either recall it loudly — like when you’re alone or educating others — or rehearse it in your mind.
3. Association and the use of mnemonics
Association and building relationships between 2 objects can be a great way to make something part of our memory for extended periods.
For instance, there must be times when you forget someone’s name; associating their name with other objects or any known person’s name can make your life a lot easier.
The only downside to this technique is when you fail to remember the thing or person you associated it with. It could be a real pain, so relate it to someone closer to you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, neuroscience has been steadily deciphering the enigmatic principles governing the brain’s long-term memory and proposing ways to boost our cognitive development and learning. The article offers how our brain’s plasticity works and how we can enhance our retention power and eliminate our amnesic memory.
As time passes, we hope that neuroscience will continue to unveil the mysteries behind the brain’s cognitive abilities and enhance our understanding of the human brain’s incredible capacity for recollection.
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