Introduction
Are you having problems remembering what you study or read? Maybe you're a student preparing for exams, maybe you are a professional learning new skills; or maybe you're curious and trying to improve memory in general. Whatever the issue, you are not alone.
The good news is that memory techniques backed by science can help you memorize quicker, retain longer, and recall easier. In this brief guide, you will learn 10 effective tips to enhance your memory and enhance memory focus.
1. Take advantage of the spaced repetition technique ✅
Spaced repetition is one of the most powerful strategies for memory. Rather than cramming everything in at once, you will review that information at spaced intervals.
How it works:
Day 1 → You learn the topic
Day 2 → You review once
Day 4 → You review again
Day 7 → You review one last time
📌 Pro Tip: Use Anki or Quizlet to create spaced repetition automatically to boost retention!
2. Use the John B. Cash Method 🧩
You will remember things better if the information is encoded into smaller meaningful chunks instead of 80 long random sequences of data.
Example:
Instead of remembering 202509142021. Chunk it up into 2025 - 09 - 14 - 2021.
Same goes for memorizing speeches, use 3-4 key points in each section.
3. Use the Memory Palace 🏰
The Memory Palace (known as the Method of Loci) has been around for centuries, and is a proven method for storing memory you want to recall later, by linking the information to places in your mind you can visualize.
How to do it:
Visualize your home
Assign each piece of information to either room in the house
Go back through the “memory palace”, and retrieve each item.
This is a common trick used by actors, public speakers and competitive memorizers to memorize hundreds of items quickly.
4. Visualize What You Have Learnt 🎨
Your brain can process dramatic images 60,000 faster than words. When you visualize something, you create stronger neural connections.
Example:
If you are trying to remember “Paris”, visualize it, the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.
📌 Pro Tip: Use mind maps to visually link ideas and make things more memorable and understandable.
5. Teach Someone What You've Learnt 🧠➡️👩🎓
One of the best ways to memorize things quicker, is to teach it.
When you teach a subject, you have to unpack that topic and make sense of it for your audience in order to explain it.
Action Step:
Once your done studying, summarize the topic to a friend or act as if your explaining it to a class.
6. Use Mnemonics & Acronyms 🔤
Mnemonics are memory shortcuts that help you remember difficult-to-recall facts.
Examples:
- Your mnemonic for the planets: "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles" = Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
- Acronym: PEMDAS for order of math operations = Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.
7. Stay Active 🏃♂️
Any form of exercising improves memory (it gets blood to your brain, neurons are rewarded, therefore adding to your memory).
Science-backed tip:
- A 20-minute walk before studying can improve recall by 30%
- Yoga and meditation also improve focus and memory retention
8. Sleep Well 😴
Sleep plays a critical role in memory storage. During REM sleep, the brain consolidates memories and organizes new information.
Actionable tips:
- Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep nightly
- Avoid screens before sleep
- Establish a sleep routine
9. Overall Active Recall 🔁
Active recall, is actually testing your memory instead of reading lectures/notes. Research suggests that active recall can actually help double your memory retention.
How-to:
- Read a chapter, then close the book
- Write down everything you can remember
- Refer back to the book, correct all of your mistakes
10. Eat Brain-Friendly Foods 🥦
Your food/consumption habits remarkably impact the way your memory works. You should pay attention to your diet as it relates to brain health, and incorporating food that contains omega-3's, antioxidants and vitamins would all improve brain health overall.
Best food choices you can make to enhance your memory:
- Fatty Fish 🐟
- Blueberries 🫐
- Nuts & Seeds 🌰
- Dark Chocolate 🍫
- Green Tea
