It can be utterly frustrating to not be able to recall a date, name or where you left an important document. There have been lots of new discoveries to do with memory in the past decades and this knowledge will be discussed in this article.

Many people find that writing things down makes it much easier to commit them to memory. Your brain area that controls memory functions will receive blood flow, and memories will thus be exercised. If you regularly write in diary or fill out a daily planner, you will find that it is easier to remember things more clearly.

If you want to form lasting memories in the brain, try thinking of mnemonic devices to help you remember things. Mnemonic devices are a great way to recall something. By associating a bit of information with a word or item, you can make the correlation that helps you recall it at a later time.

If you struggle remembering what you have to do, don’t fear using sticky notes. Locate them in prominent areas that you use often, such as the refrigerator or near your computer. These notes will help you remember important tasks and information.

Exercise is a great way to maintain memory function. Exercising increases blood flow to your brain, which preserves cognitive function. Work on maintaining your body as a whole and your memory will benefit right in step. Exercise has the added advantage of lowering your risk of diseases, like diabetes, which impair memory as a secondary effect.

Include fish oil in your diet every day, through supplements if necessary. If you are very forgetful, you may be forgetting to eat the necessary omega-3 fatty acids. Try adding it to your diet in the form of a pill.

In order to maintain a strong memory, be sure to remain active in a social context. This will help you feel good, and stay aware. If you are depressed or feel lonely, your brain isn’t working like it should. If you have stimulating conversation with your friends, this helps give you a strong mind, which leads you to better memorization.

If there is something you must recall at a later time, attempt to associate the thought with a funny phrase, melody or visual imagery. Using humor will make remembering things entertaining, so they will be easier to remember later.

Try visualizing the ideas you need to remember. For example, graphics, charts and graphs are highly effective tools for linking facts with images. It can also help to make your own charts to help you remember information. The mind is especially able to recall visual information more than dry text.

Log on to your library’s website and download ebooks designed for memory improvement. You can find books written by experts on memory; these books should be able to provide you with new techniques for your own use.

Use all of this information to help improve your memory. You will save yourself a lot of frustration if you can train your memory to be more efficient.