Memory plays a crucial role not only during exams but at various levels, including daily routines, professional activities, socialization, decision-making, communication, and more. According to an article published by the "Times of India," having a good memory becomes an important aspect of life, and it can be enhanced in the following ways:
1. **Brain Training**
The best way to increase memory strength is to encourage children to learn and experience new things. Activities like learning to play a new instrument, engaging in pottery, solving puzzles like Sudoku or crosswords, or learning a new language can enhance memory strength.
2. **Repetition**
When a child learns something, they should be encouraged to repeat it over and over. It is recommended that children repeat aloud what they hear or read and write it down to reinforce their memory.
3. **Mnemonic Techniques**
Memory aids can take the form of acronyms, songs, or rhymes. While it may be difficult to remember long sentences, breaking them down or associating them with distinctive markers makes it easier.
4. **Exercise**
Physical exercise increases the number of cells in the hippocampus, which plays a key role in learning and memory. Exercise is particularly beneficial for the brain, and activities that require hand-eye coordination or complex motor skills are great for brain development.
5. **Drinking Enough Water**
The brain is mostly composed of water. Water acts as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord and helps brain cells utilize nutrients. Mild dehydration has been shown to cause brain shrinkage and memory impairment.
6. **Meditation**
Studies indicate that meditation can lead to an increase in gray matter in the brain. Neuron cell bodies reside in gray matter, and a reduction in this area can negatively impact memory and cognition.
7. **Healthy Diet**
It is essential to provide children with a healthy diet. Leafy green vegetables are nutrient-rich for the brain, providing necessary vitamins like K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene. Flavonoid compounds also help improve memory.
8. **Maintaining an Organized Routine**
Children should be encouraged to organize their belongings, from stationery to books and notebooks. If children have a lot of homework, they can be asked to prepare a task list and check off items as they complete them.
9. **Making Changes to the Routine**
To maintain the child’s enthusiasm and engagement in academic pursuits, occasional changes to the study routine can be beneficial, such as altering the time dedicated to specific subjects. The idea is to introduce elements of novelty into the routine to enhance brain efficacy.
10. **Avoid Cramming**
Parents should be cautious not to let children resort to cramming information right before exams. This learning method can lead to negative outcomes, leaving the brain overloaded with information that the child may ultimately forget.
