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11 Methods for Improving Your Memory

Medically reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief

Is it really possible to improve your memory? If you've ever found yourself forgetting
where you left your keys or blanking out information on important tests then you have
probably wished that your memory was a bit better. Fortunately, there are plenty of
things that you can do to help improve your memory.

Obviously, utilizing some sort of reminder system can help. Setting up an online calendar
that sends reminders to your phone helps you keep track of all those appointments and
meetings. Creating daily to-do lists can ensure that you don't forget important tasks that
need to be completed.

But what about all the important information that you need to actually cement into your
long-term memory? It will take some effort and even involve tweaking or dramatically
changing your normal study routine, but there are a number of strategies you can utilize
to get more out of your memory.

Before your next big exam, be sure to check out some of these tried and tested
techniques for improving memory. These 11 research-proven strategies can effectively
improve memory, enhance recall, and increase retention of information.

1.
Focus Your Attention
Attention is one of the major components of memory. In order for information to move
from your short-term memory into your long-term memory, you need to actively attend to
this information. Try to study in a place free of distractions such as television, music, and
other diversions.

Getting rid of distractions might be a challenge, especially if you are surrounded by

Set aside a short period of time to be alone.

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Ask your roommates to give you some space or ask your partner to take the kids for an
hour so you can focus on your work.

2.
Avoid Cramming
Studying materials over a number of sessions gives you the time you need to adequately
process information. Research has continuously shown that students who study
regularly remember the material far better than those who do all of their studying in one
marathon session.

3.
Structure and Organize
Researchers have found that information is organized in memory in related clusters.You
can take advantage of this by structuring and organizing the materials you're studying.
Try grouping similar concepts and terms together, or make an outline of your notes and
textbook readings to help group related concepts.

4.
Utilize Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are a technique often used by students to aid in recall. A mnemonic is
simply a way to remember information. For example, you might associate a term you
need to remember with a common item that you are very familiar with. The best
mnemonics are those that utilize positive imagery, humor, or novelty.

Come up with a rhyme, song, or joke to help remember a specific segment of

5.
Elaborate and Rehearse
In order to recall information, you need to encode what you are studying into long-term
memory. One of the most effective encoding techniques is known as elaborative
rehearsal.

An example of this technique would be to read the definition of a key term, study the
definition of that term, and then read a more detailed description of what that term

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means. After repeating this process a few times, you'll probably notice that recalling the
information is much easier.

6.
Visualize Concepts
Many people benefit greatly from visualizing the information they study. Pay attention to
the photographs, charts, and other graphics in your textbooks. If you don't have visual
cues to help, try creating your own. Draw charts or figures in the margins of your notes
or use highlighters or pens in different colors to group related ideas in your written study
materials.

Sometimes even just making flashcards of various terms you need to remember can
help cement information in your mind.

7.
Relate New Information to Things You
Already Know
When you're studying unfamiliar material, take the time to think about how this
information relates to what you already know. By establishing relationships between new
ideas and previously existing memories, you can dramatically increase the likelihood of
recalling the recently learned information.

8.
Read Out Loud
Research published in 2017 suggests that reading materials out loud significantly
improves​your memory of the material.Educators and psychologists have also
discovered that having students actually teach new concepts to others enhances
understanding and recall.

Use this approach in your own studies by teaching new concepts and information to a
friend or study partner.

9.
Pay Extra Attention to Difficult Information
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Have you ever noticed how it's sometimes easier to remember information at the
beginning or end of a chapter? Researchers have found that the order of information can
play a role in recall, which is known as the serial position effect.

While recalling middle information can be difficult, you can overcome this problem by
spending extra time rehearsing this information. Another strategy is to try restructuring
what you have learned so it will be easier to remember. When you come across an
especially difficult concept, devote some extra time to memorizing the information.

10.
Vary Your Study Routine
Another great way to increase your recall is to occasionally change your study routine. If
you're accustomed to studying in one specific location, try moving to a different spot
during your next study session. If you study in the evening, try spending a few minutes
each morning reviewing the information you studied the previous night.

By adding an element of novelty to your study sessions, you can increase the
effectiveness of your efforts and significantly improve your long-term recall.

11.
Get Some Sleep
Researchers have long known that sleep is important for memory and learning.
Research has shown that taking a nap after you learn something new can actually help
you learn faster and remember better.

In fact, one study published in 2014 found that sleeping after learning something new
actually leads to physical changes in the brain. Sleep-deprived mice experienced less
dendritic growth following a learning task than well-rested mice.

So the next time you're struggling to learn new information, consider getting a good
night's sleep after you study.

5 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts
within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our
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content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Winerman L. Study smart. American Psychological Association.

2. Manning JR, Kahana MJ. Interpreting semantic clustering effects in free recall. Memory.
2012;20(5):511-517. doi:10.1080/09658211.2012.683010

3. Forrin ND, Macleod CM. This time it's personal: the memory benefit of hearing oneself.
Memory. 2018;26(4):574-579. doi:10.1080/09658211.2017.1383434

4. Cortis Mack C, Cinel C, Davies N, Harding M, Ward G. Serial position, output order, and list
length effects for words presented on smartphones over very long intervals. J Mem Lang.
2017;97:61-80. doi:10.1016/j.jml.2017.07.009

5. Yang G, Lai CS, Cichon J, Ma L, Li W, Gan WB. Sleep promotes branch-specific formation of
dendritic spines after learning. Science. 2014;344(6188):1173-1178.
doi:10.1126/science.1249098

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