Anatomy of thought
There are two fundamentally different types of memory, which differ, first of all, by the duration of information storage. Short-term memory is the ability to store information in your head from a few seconds to several hours. It can be compared with a slate board, on which we temporarily apply the necessary information. Subsequently, if the brain deems it necessary, some of this information goes into long-term memory, and a part is erased. Short-term memory plays an important role in thinking: it actively participates in the processes of calculation in the mind, the construction of geometric analogies, speech. In the absolute majority of people, the volume of short-term memory is 7 + - 2 objects from different categories (figures, words, pictures, sounds). To measure the volume of "operative" memory is not difficult: underline in the text 10 random words, read them and try to reproduce them from the first. Under certain conditions (installation for memorization, repetition, emotional coloration, etc.), information is transferred into it from the short-term, where it can be stored for decades. In humans, the volume of long-term memory can be very different.
The most common causes of memory impairment include:
1. Asthenic condition caused by overwork or disease;
2. Violation of cerebral circulation, which is characterized by attacks of dizziness, impaired coordination, "flies" before the eyes;
3.Psychological reasons: stress, congestion of information.
More serious memory disorders can be caused by craniocerebral trauma, stroke, liver damage, lack of vitamin B1, carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mind and feelings
It's no secret that emotionally colored events and words ("love", "happiness") are remembered better than neutral ones. However, this is not the only link between memory and emotions.
Reiteration
An event that has strongly influenced you emotionally, you recreate it over and over again for a while. So, it is better to remember it. For example, if you just went to the cinema, then in a couple of years you can not remember about it. It's another matter if a fire broke out in the cinema during the session. The preservation of such memories affect the hormones of adrenaline and norepinephrine, which stand out in moments of acute emotional distress. Anxiety can become a barrier to the reproduction of memories. A striking example of this is forgetfulness in such crucial situations as an examination or an important meeting.
Context Effect
Memory works best in situations, methods and methods of memory development, similar to those in which memory occurred. This explains the influx of memories from a man who finds himself in his hometown.
In the depths of my soul
Apart from the conscious, memory can store so-called "repressed" memories. Sometimes events or experiences give a person so painful emotions that he subconsciously "refuses" them, pushes them into the depths of memory. Such memories can continue to affect our lives. For example, a woman who survived sexual abuse at an early age may experience problems in the sexual sphere. There is a method that allows you to "anticipate" such situations, rethink them, or lose another course of events. This makes the emotions less painful. But do we have to try to erase negative experiences from memory? There are special mechanisms to influence the brain in order to get rid of unnecessary information. In particular, hypnosis. But it is impossible to predict what this "removal" of memories will be like. Therefore, it is better to learn to use any information for yourself for good.
Recollection of a past life
One of the most interesting and mysterious phenomena associated with memory is the so-called "deja vu" (it seems to the person that he had already experienced a situation before, he can predict in detail the events of the next few seconds). Specialists say that 97% of people know this phenomenon. Until now, scientists do not have an unambiguous explanation of what "deja vu" is. Some believe that it occurs if the transfer of information to the higher parts of the brain slows down (for example, when fatigued). Others proceed from the directly opposite assumption: a well-rested brain so quickly processes information that it is perceived as already familiar. The lack of an accurate explanation has led to the fact that many are inclined to see in this phenomenon mysterious and even mystical roots. There is an opinion that "already seen" is what is embedded in our genetic memory, that is, memories of the life of our ancestors. Others associate it with the reincarnation of the soul.
The technique of memorizing by Franz Lezer
German specialist in memory and fast reading Franz Lezer singles out six phases of memorization, each of which can be made more effective by using special techniques.
Perception of information through the senses
To better remember information, you should use more sense organs (see, listen, touch). And although each of us has better developed some "analyzers" of perception, training can be developed and others. So, if you close your eyes, then start to hear better, feel smells and touch more sharply.
Concentration of attention
Perform a simple task. Count during reading how many letters "a" in the following sentence: "Remembering requires attention." And now tell me, how much was in this sentence ... the letters "n"? Paying attention to one thing, we often overlook the other. Future artists, for example, training concentration of attention, try to memorize as many elements of nature as possible, which then must be drawn from memory.
"Binding" information to what you already know
Any new information can be mentally related to what you already know. It can be, for example, associative connections. A vivid example is the study of foreign words. You can link a new unit to you with a similar one from your native language, or imagine how this word would look (what color, shape) it would be to touch or even taste.
Repetition with interruptions
Memorization is a cognitive process. Understanding of this allows instead of mechanical cramming when re-accessing information to find something new in it, providing a deeper assimilation of the material.
Forgetting
Do not be afraid to forget, but leave the "end of the rope" to which you tied the information to the knowledge that you already have. For example, make brief notes in the diary, make notes, keep a diary.
Recollection
If you follow all the recommendations listed above, you will not have problems with "remembering" information. Experts believe: with systematic training, even if the program is compiled independently, memory is guaranteed to improve. These techniques will help you develop the ability to remember more and better.
Concentration of attention
Franz Lezer recommends for the purpose of training to make a description of a picture, constantly detailing it. Exercise can be repeated with distracting factors (such as noise).
Associations
Memorization of numbers. Write 20 numbers and arbitrarily associate them with certain persons or objects (for example, figure 87 - the full woman comes with a mustachioed man, the figure 5 smells like a lily of the valley, etc.). Then try to restore them in memory. Exercise should be repeated with different numbers every day, gradually increasing their number and length. Memorizing names. If it's hard for you to remember names, try to associate between the sounds of the name and appearance. For example, Alexander has a sharp nose, similar to the letter "A", Olga has smooth, "rounded" movements. Memorization of sequences. To do this, you need to associate with each of the events, and then mentally arrange the resulting images along the well-known street. Imagining how you walk along it, you will remember the words you want.
Repetition out loud
If you want to remember the information that was sounded in the conversation, try again to speak it out aloud after a while, for example, to return to the topic and ask a clarifying question. The same technique can be used to memorize names: by naming a person by name several times during a conversation, you will remember it for a long time.
Every day, learn a small fragment of the text (2-3 paragraphs) as follows:
1) read the text once or twice;
2) break it into meaningful fragments;
3) Repeat several times, peeping at him. The number of such repetitions should be 50% higher than the amount that is required for the first error-free playback. Repeat the text the next day (not earlier than in 20 hours).
Alternate passive perception of occurring events with active recall. For example, every night, in details, recall in memory everything that happened to you for the day, trying to remember as much detail as possible (in which the colleague was dressed, the color of the phone in the negotiating partner). As often as possible, use mnemotechnical (not related to the content of memorized) tricks. One of the most famous examples is the phrase: "Every hunter wants to know where the pheasant is sitting". More often make such suggestions yourself. Guided by the main rule of mental work: relax through a change of class, and not through idleness. Alternate memorization with physical exertion. Combine memorization with other mechanical exercises: walking, knitting, ironing.
Structuring
The human brain better preserves information if a logical connection is established between its parts. Imagine two seemingly unrelated events, and then try to build a connection between them. For example:
1. Vasya was late for work for 2.5 hours.
2. In the evening we appointed a meeting. An example of a logical connection: Vasya is never late for work. "His tardiness is an unexpected event." - The meeting was appointed unexpectedly. Franz Lezer cites such an example of structuring: if the number 683429731 is placed as 683-429-731, it will be easier to remember. You can divide the information into groups A, B, C, D, etc.
Test your memory
These exercises, developed by Franz Lezer, will help you determine the level of development of your memory. Read the list of items and after a specified time, write down everything that is remembered. The answer is considered correct if, together with the element, its serial number is indicated. The number of correct answers in each block is divided by the number of source objects and multiplied by 100 - so you get the percentage of effective memorization. According to the calculations of the French nutritionist Jean-Marie Boer, with an increase in the concentration of vitamin C in the body by 50%, intellectual capacities increase by four points. Dr. Boer advises also sometimes not to give up beef or mutton brains. They have fatty acids and amino acids, the most suitable for the brain. But fatty food leads to problems with memory. This is evidenced by a study of scientists Gordon Vinokur and Carol Greenwood of Toronto. They believe that fat absorbs some of the glucose needed for normal brain development. With average memory, a person can accurately reproduce 7-9 words at once, 12 words - after 17 repetitions, 24 words - after 40 repetitions.