How to Improve Your Memory - by Taylor Pebley

When learning a new language it’s helpful to know how to improve your memory. Memorization is an important part of learning. I am currently learning Spanish and have found some helpful tips on how to improve memorization skills:

Get enough sleep. Your mind is like a muscle: it won’t perform its best if it is too tired. It’s also important not to get too much sleep, which can make you feel lethargic and foggy. So how much sleep is enough for you? Try keeping a regular sleep schedule and adjust according to how you feel. You will eventually find the right number for you. Continue paying attention to your body and mind and adjust that number as needed.

Exercise regularly. Exercise does wonders for the mind, such as raising oxygen, delivering endorphins, and increasing self-discipline. Try learning and memorizing within an hour or so of your exercise. Your body and mind will still be in high performance mode from your workout.

Use mnemonic devices (click link for some great examples). Like a mind bridge, mnemonic devices connect something you already know to what you are learning. For example, I was trying to memorize the Spanish word for horse, which is “el caballo“, pronounced kah-bah-yo. I associated that word with the English word “cowboy” because they sound alike. Every time I heard the word “caballo” I pictured a cowboy sitting on a horse.

Be stress free. Stress takes a tole on the mind and body. Make sure you feel relaxed before trying to learn. If you feel stressed before learning, try some simple stress release exercises. If all else fails, have a good laugh and consciously put away your troubles long enough to be relaxed and stress-free. Then jump into your learning and memorization with an open mind and smiling face.

Increase your brain power. Lastly, strengthen your brain by solving puzzles and brain teasers. Even better, find brain teasers that require memory exercises! If you start to feel frustrated while trying to memorize new words or phrases, take a break and find a few memory exercises that are fun and interesting to you. Try doing one per day for a week and see how much your memory improves.

Try these tips to help improve your memory in the language you are learning. Not learning a language yet? Guess what, learning a new language happens to be a great way to increase your brain power. Comment with your thoughts and suggestions. I am learning another language myself and could use all the help I can get!

http://www.learnalanguage.com/blog/how-to-improve-your-memory/