When it comes to studying, it is very common for us to spend a lot of time only to later realize that we have only managed to retain , hopefully, half of the information we have tried to learn . And in all probability, we will end up frustrated and without any desire to try again a task that is so difficult for us. But why does this happen?
In order to understand it, we will look at a glass of water. We will be able to fill it without losing a drop to the limit of its capacity, and we will not have any problem. But the brain does not work that way, rather it is more like a strainer, much of the information we receive daily “runs away” and we forget it. Our brains are not designed to remember every event, word, or image we experience throughout our lives.
And yet, we can train it so that those small “pores” through which information escapes are more selective and allow us to quickly store what interests us. How? Everyone in the end learns in a different way, but these five tips can help you:
5 tips or tricks to memorize quickly
Repeat, read aloud and record everything you want to memorize.
This method will make the knowledge better recorded in your brain because it will receive it in two ways:
- the visual (while you read what you want to memorize) and
- the auditory Another variant of this technique is to record yourself.
Take those notes that you need to remember , make a summary of them if necessary, and record yourself to hear yourself anywhere: the bus, the car, at night relaxing when you’re lying in your bed…
It doesn’t matter if you are listening carefully or not: all the important information will be imprinted in your brain thanks to constant repetition.
Write everything you need to memorize
Before you start to remember everything you need by heart, write all the information on a piece of paper.
It is scientifically proven that writing by hand helps our brain to fix the data better, it will also help you to be more familiar with what you are trying to remember. You can even make up a little phrase or use a little story with the facts you need to learn as mnemonics if that helps.
Repeat information as you memorize it
That is, try to repeat that information without looking at your notes, doing it from memory . Repeat each line of text as you read it, and then try to remember it without looking at the paper or book where it was written. This will keep all your knowledge fixed in your memory. But NEVER go to the next section of information until you have memorized the current one.
Teach someone (or yourself)
Try explaining to a friend what you just learned in your own words. Even if you don’t have anyone or feel a bit embarrassed, stand in front of a mirror by yourself and practice.
It is a good idea to do it with someone and that they ask you something that has not been clear to them or they have not understood, because that way you will have to pull from your memory and answer their questions.
Practice what you learn
If you really want to memorize what you are going to learn quickly, the best way is to practice it or talk to other people who know about it.
This way your brain will be able to delve deeper into that knowledge and retain it in your memory.
Bonus
Take a rest!
Finally, let your mind breathe a little and relax . Go for a little walk, lie on your bed and close your eyes for a few minutes, and then come back to continue memorizing your lessons.
This way you will have a little time to take stock of what you have learned and the things that have been most difficult for you to assimilate, and take stock of what you should review again.
