Lost Thoughts
How do you keep track of what you want to remember? Do you use strategically placed notes, send emails or voice mails to yourself, or ask others to remind you of something? Trying to remember all that you want to can sometimes feel like herding wild cats – thoughts scampering and disappearing into the recesses of your memory.
Any number of factors can affect our memory: medical conditions and medications, lifestyle (diet, exercise, stress, sleep), sensory loss (seeing, hearing), even negative self-talk (“I have a lousy memory.” “I just know I’ll forget.” “I can’t seem to remember anything.”). What can you do to improve your memory?
Mnemonics is defined as “the process or technique of improving or developing the memory” view link such as through the use of formulas or rhymes. Even the crossword, sudoku and “wuzzles” (word puzzles) puzzles in your newspaper are a fun way to start.
The Arapahoe Library District also has a number of titles to help you increase your memory power. Do a Subject search for “mnemonics.” You’ll find books such as:
Ageless Memory : Keep Your Mind Young Forever : Secrets from the World's Foremost Memory Expert by Harry Lorayne
Brainfit by Corinne L. Gediman
Memory Power by Scott Hagwood
Kevin Trudeau’s Mega Memory by Kevin Trudeau
Googling the term “mnemonic” or “mnemonics” also yields a fascinating list of mnemonic subject areas: anatomy, math, pharmacology, aviation, even learning kanji (Japanese characters), foreign language verbs and, my favorite, bird songs!
Okay, let’s test your memory. Put aside this newsletter and name two factors that can affect your memory. Define “mnemonics.” Name the nearest branch of the Arapahoe Library District where you can go to find books on boosting your memory. (Give yourself bonus points if you know the library phone number or web address!)
