The Best Memorization Methods

Whether you are trying to remember something you learned in class or what you need at the grocery store, memory is an important tool in everyday life. There are several tools you can use to help improve your overall memory. Some of these methods can include writing things down, using mnemonics and visualizing the situation.

Writing Things Down

• In the classroom setting you will see people taking notes. This is because having notes are helpful so that you can go back and read over them to ensure you have not forgotten anything in your class lecture. This technique not only gives you a reference to look back on, but can help you remember things better just by the simple act of writing it down to begin with. When you listen to something one area of your brain is engaged into the activity, but when you listen and write down information, your spatial memory takes over and helps you retain that data much better.

Visualizing the Situation

• When you remember something there is usually a situation or setting in which you pair with it. If you are trying to remember something, take note of your surroundings or the situation you are in as well. This helps when you try to recall what you were remembering, because if you can visualize where you were or what you were doing, you may also recall what you were trying to remember. For example, at the office you remember you were having a cup of coffee with a colleague in the break room when they told you a date for a party. Remembering that situation where you were, what you were doing and what day can help you remember the information regarding the party as well.

Mnemonics

• If you have been to school you most likely have heard of mnemonics. This method is a play on words that allows you to makes sentences or words to help you remember an entire phrase or lesson. A popular example of a mnemonic would be for the spelling, "I before E except after C" or "Roy G. Biv" which spells out the primary spectrum of colors on the rainbow -- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.

Drawing Pictures or Touching Objects

• Drawing visual images can help some individuals memorize something faster than writing it down. It can also help a person memorize to physically touch the object or perform the task first hand. For example, if you are being taught how to blend a drink, it can be helpful to try it out once yourself so that when you go do that on your own, you remember the steps and how the process felt to do physically versus mentally.