I'm a 22-year old man, and I tend to have a weak short-term memory. My long-term memory is pretty good. But I've noticed that most of the time I forget what I wanted or came for just minutes ago, and this also sometimes affects my academic performance (Although I do get good grades, but I need to review stuff like a million times to memorize them). Is there anything that I can do to actually make my memory better? I don't suffer any other psychological problems that might affect my memory.
--Please don't suggest visiting a psychiatrist, as I can't afford one right now.
2006-09-17 02:09:56 · 13 answers · asked by ? 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Listen, get into the habit of reading and using your mind. Really. Get a vocabulary improvement book where all you do is read 20-30 minutes every night before dozing off to sleep. Nothing to memorize or study. Just READ. It will help you improve your reading skills, your writing skills and your speaking skills, too.
Words are nothing more than mental symbols of ideas, things, actions, feelings, etc. The more "words" you have, thee more ideas. You'd be surprised how this works... in fact, this is easier for you at 22 years of age, than it is for me at age 59! Try it and simply force yourself EVERY single night to do this. You think I'm kidding? Make a $10 investment in the book, "Word Power Made Easy," by Dr. Norman Lewis. Just read. Do not try to memorize or study anything! Once you finish the book, see if you can find others by the same author and also read them; you'll find how much you DO remember and you will see that it's not difficult at all to improve any skills.
These skills will enable you to do better in whatever job you go for, or might even inspire you to want to go to college, too. You will find how easy it is to study and remember things you understand MORE of; you will breeze through your studies and get better grades. At the workplace, you will find your peers will gain respect and admiration for you.
Improve your vocabulary and you improve your memory, too! By the way, do take vitamins and antioxidants; they DO work and they DO help! Insofar as psychology, only if you're under a great deal of stress and worry, or you suspect that you're undergoing depression. Even if you don't have much money, you cannot afford NOT to consider this option since it can ONLY help you be a much better and happier person in the long run. Hey, good luck and best wishes (try the book!)
2006-09-17 02:33:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Focus is th eonly way to remember things. when you are learning , or doing something , or listening to something , your attention should be confined to that particular thing you are engaged in and your mind should not be nibbling on something else.If focus is there anything you do or see or hear is is formly and naturqlly regis tered in you rmind and retrieval will be automatic even if you do not understnd what you saw , heard or felt . Your brain is a biological computer and the hard disc and the Cpu are combined there. people who listen , and watch kenly only such things that they are intereseted in . even if the thing or mattere that they are inteested in is not present before them tgeir mind is engrossed in them. Soitis necessary , that you concentrate on the thing that you are doing at anytime if you want to remember and understand . Wandering mind can reatin no memeory of anything .
A determination on your part of restrain your mind from wandering while you are doing some thing , and your effort in that direction might help . If there is a will , there is always away. Sure.
2006-09-17 09:29:47 · answer #2 · answered by diamond r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way that I've discovered to improve short-term memory is to REALLY focus on that ONE task at hand. You have to give it your all. It takes a while to get use to this and you have to put all your brain power into not getting distracted but in the long run, it helps. When it becomes a habit, it gets easier after a while. The struggle is at the beginning. :)
[EDIT: Repeating really actually helps in remembering anything.Right, diamond_r? ^_^v ]
2006-09-17 09:28:44 · answer #3 · answered by Lea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a great question which I can't wait to hear the answers. I myself don't really know but find myself with the same problem sometimes. Long term I can go back to crib days(no lie) short term requires major concentration.
2006-09-17 09:24:55 · answer #4 · answered by sweet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your anxiety occupies your short term memory. It will not be the end of the world if you forget what you were doing.
2006-09-17 09:25:49 · answer #5 · answered by Rod 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have the same problem...but im not able to cope up with that problem.
I drink milk (with memory enhancers), vitamins and supplements.
oh yeah, try brain exercises/games like puzzles or memory games. It helps...
2006-09-17 09:12:41 · answer #6 · answered by Jacky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what works for me and my dad recomends it hes 74 still bright doing crosswords keeps the brain active
2006-09-17 09:48:31 · answer #7 · answered by liz r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brain exercises. No kidding!
2006-09-17 09:12:06 · answer #8 · answered by St♥rmy Skye 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe if you take quick notes of the day and review them the next day. basically, keep a journal.
2006-09-17 09:11:55 · answer #9 · answered by sugar4sandy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bet you smoke pot man.... I have the same problem, but I'm 49!
2006-09-17 09:13:16 · answer #10 · answered by doctor_johnnie_jointroller 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋