SHORT TERM MEMORY TECHNIQUES
Many of us have had that special moment when your memory failed us. You may have joked and said “Opps – having a senior moment!” or even just flatly said you are getting older and your memory is not as good as it use to be. But I bet that didn’t feel good as you said it!
When we start thinking 'it is not as good as it used to be,' we start into motion a number of psychological processes that will make that situation come true and that is not good news. So it is very important to watch your language – your brain is listening to you!
In fact there were probably many reasons why you may have forgotten something at that moment. The most common is stress. You might have been nervous. However it could also have been some medications or even certain foods. Think about what is happening in your life before you beat yourself up for being a silly old fool.
So what can you do to help you remember things that you only need to hold in your mind for a short time.
First understand that the most common misconception about memory and brain function:- we don’t have to lose it. We just have to use it. The more we use it the more we have.
The real killer for memory is when someone doesn’t care about losing it and just accepts it as ‘fate’ or ‘life’. This is just not true and the state of your memory is in your hands.
When you are in a situation where you have to use your brain – it comes up trumps. Try out memorising a list of grocery items you need to the supermarket. Do the usual things to help like repeating it and linking it to a mnemonic you know. Go shopping and see what happens. You will surprise yourself as long as you keep your expectations and attitude positive.
Try to eat mainly natural foods and not highly processed one and try eating small meals frequently as that is much better for your blood sugar and that in turn helps your brain function better.
Just some small changes can make a big difference but the most important is what you say to yourself in your head. Dont think you have to live with a failing memory – you don’t if you are prepared to change a few things and practice.