Enhancing memory skills doesn’t require a trivia expert’s touch. Monica Thieu, a notable four-time Jeopardy! contestant and winner of the 2012 college championship, employs memory techniques such as mnemonic devices and flash cards. These help her remember various subjects like world capitals and Olympic cities. She states, “With practice, everyone can strengthen their memory.” Beyond her achievements on Jeopardy!, Thieu researches memory, human cognition, and emotion as a postdoctoral scientist at Emory University.
Podcast episode: Where did I put the keys? Tips to improve memory
Memory selects what we remember. Charan Ranganath, Director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis and author of Why We Remember, explains that memory can be biased or reconstructed. Here are some strategies from experts to improve your memory, even if it’s simply recalling where you parked your car.
Focus on Attention
The key to forming lasting memories is attention, says neuroscientist Lisa Genova, author of Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting. According to Genova, input is necessary to create a memory; lack of attention prevents memory formation. For instance, if you forget your parking spot, it might be due to not paying attention, not memory issues. Slow down and focus on what you need to remember.
Establish Rules and Habits
If you frequently misplace items like keys or wallets, create a designated spot at home for these items, advises Genova. Setting a specific location helps you avoid the stress of remembering where you placed them. For example, always keep your keys in a bowl. This creates a habit and reduces clutter.
Add More Details
Make memories immersive for better recall, suggests Thieu. If learning about the Renaissance, engage with the topic through different mediums. Listen to music from the period, watch related dramas, or attend theater performances. The more meaningful or novel the information, the more likely it is to be remembered.
Use Memory Triggers
Genova explains that our brains connect sights, sounds, tastes, and smells when forming memories. Use these connections to aid recall. For example, if studying vocabulary while listening to Dua Lipa, playing her music during a test might enhance memory recall, a concept known as context-dependent memory. Incorporating smells, music, or flavors into your study routine can trigger associated memories.
Practice Chunking
For recalling large information loads, Ranganath recommends “chunking,” a strategy to manage extensive data more effectively. For instance, remember a 10-digit phone number like 130-555-1212 by breaking it into parts: 130, 555, and 1212. Chunking simplifies recall by grouping information.
Utilize a Mind Palace
To remember items like eggs, milk, and creamer, consider the “mind palace” technique, or method of loci, used by memory experts. This involves associating a familiar place with new information. Visualize items placed in your childhood home: eggs on the couch, milk on the counter. During shopping, mentally walk through this path to recall your list.
Embrace Flash Cards
Flash cards remain a powerful memory tool, says Thieu. Many trivia experts regularly use them. Thieu watches old Jeopardy! reruns and creates flash cards for trivia practice. Quiz yourself on these cards before and after studying to enhance learning.
Be Kind to Yourself
Perfect memory is unrealistic. Experts acknowledge occasional lapses like misplacing keys or forgetting tasks. Lisa Genova emphasizes that it’s okay to rely on reminders or written notes to conserve mental energy.
The audio production of this episode was handled by Margaret Cirino. Malaka Gharib edited the digital version. Visuals were overseen by Beck Harlan. We encourage your feedback. Reach us at 202-216-9823, or email [email protected]. Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and subscribe to our newsletter.
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