The human memory is the mental faculty by which the mind stores and retrieves information, events, and experiences in the brain.
Memory is a property of the central nervous system, with three different classifications: short-term, long-term, and sensory memory. They all have specific, different functions but each is equally important for memory processes.
Retention, on the other hand, is the action of absorbing and continuing to hold a substance or information. It is an intrinsic part of human cognition since it aids individuals in recalling past, present, and future events.
Memory retention refers to the ability to remember information over time. In short, it is the process of retrieving information after it has been encoded and stored.
Memory and retention are connected because any retained information is kept in the human memory. This means that without the human memory processes, retention of information or events would not be possible.
Occasionally, our retention may decline, and information stored in our memory can be lost as time progresses. This can be a result of stress, depression, lack of sleep, or thyroid problems.
Other things responsible for memory loss include side effects from certain medicines, an unhealthy diet, or dehydration.
This event of memory loss is known as forgetfulness. When we forget things, there is an error in the retrieval process that causes the memory to be reformatted.
There are several methods of improving our memory, and our ability to retain more information when engaging in learning:
Mnemonic Device/Chunking
A mnemonic device is any learning technique that aids information retention or retrieval in the human memory for better understanding. Chunking, songs, rhymes, and acronyms are very effective mnemonic devices that can help to memorize content.
Chunking is taking longer forms of information and breaking them down into smaller or manageable groups, “chunks” that can then be memorized more easily.
Another way to retain new information is by building a memory palace, which is a mnemonic device that associates information to be remembered with familiar locations or landmarks.
Getting Enough Sleep
Another strategy for boosting memory retention is to have a good night’s sleep.
Sleep has been consistently proven to help consolidate memories. Stage 3 sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep or deep sleep, is believed to be essential for improving memory retention.
Exercise
Moderate-intensity exercise is excellent for brain health. Not only does it boost the overall health of new brain cells, but multiple studies also suggest that the parts of your brain responsible for thinking and memory are larger in volume in individuals who exercise regularly than those who do not.
A few recent studies offer an additional exercise-related tip that working out just after a study session might better retain the information learned.
Keep your brain active
Keeping your brain active can be both fun and effective in improving your memory.
There are various kinds of games you can use to get your brain activated, from puzzles to cards.
Developing new skills, such as programming or choreography (dance class), will also help increase brain activity, so be challenged to learn something new.
Keep Lists
Another way to boost retention is to keep a list or put on paper, a to-do list for the day or groceries you need to remember to pick up from the store. You are more likely to be able to recall information if you take the time to write it out and if you do happen to forget, you know exactly where to look.
Conclusion
Memory retention is an important component in humans, either young or old because it allows individuals to store and recall vital information or events.
Therefore it is a necessity to boost memory retention and avoid what could hinder memory retention.
Researched by: Ikunbor Precious
