Memory is how your brain takes in information and processes it so that you can remember it later. It is a subconscious process for human beings, so they do not even realize the importance of it. Memory helps you in problem-solving, navigating through unknown areas, makes you reason, and helps in language development.

How Memory Works

There are three main segments of how your memory works, namely encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Encoding

The process begins when the brain acquires some information, such as the name of a country or a person. The names are converted to a simpler format that the brain can store, and you do this by using your senses. For example, you verbally repeat the name, so your brain absorbs that information to recall later. Or you use knowledge you already have, such as other people you associate that person with, or some culture you associate that country with. You can also encode the name semantically based on where you met that person, so if you met them at the mall, you associate them with the mall. And you remember them visually by their physical features or something that they were wearing that stuck out to you. The level of encoding depends on how much attention you are paying. If you pay proper attention, you encode information much better.

Storage

Whatever information your brain has acquired now gets stored in your brain. It can be stored for the short term or the long term, depending on how much you are exposed to that information, so, if you read about something once and then forget about it after a few seconds, it becomes part of your short-term memory. On the other hand, if you have repeated interactions with the same thing, it becomes part of your long-term memory. For example, if you frequently converse with someone and they repeat some information about themselves, you will likely remember it forever as it has now become part of your long-term memory, and the short-term memory has transitioned.

Retrieval

Retrieval is the stage where you reach the information that you have stored in your memory. You can either ‘recall’ it when you can immediately remember without having to rack you brain too much, or you can ‘recognize’ it, through which you see something and start jogging your memory trying to figure something out, for example, you see someone who resembles an old friend, and it makes you remember all the memories you had with that friend.

Is Memory Perfect?

Sometimes, you will try hard to remember something, but you cannot, and this is because you cannot retrieve that specific information because it has not been encoded properly, which is why it is not stored properly. While it is totally normal to forget such things, there are some artificial ways in which your memory can weaken that include eating late, not getting enough exercise, overeating and stress, depression, and anxiety.

Natural Ways To Support Memory

More exposure to information means that, due to constant repetition, it becomes part of your long-term memory store. You should also try to organize whatever you are trying to learn, as providing structure helps you categorize information better.

There are some physical things that you can do to keep your body and brain healthy and to improve your memory retention. First, you can work out or do some form of exercise, as it boosts your memory. If you want to have better long-term memory, you should do 40 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. You should also sleep properly, as sleep helps you retain the information that your brain learns and can cause physical changes in the brain. You should also eat well and eat fruits, vegetables, and fish, as such food clears your brain and prevents memory loss. You can take quality supplements for memory to boost your retaining powers.

Conclusion

Some people have great memory retention, while others are weak at remembering things. Of course, memory can be improved, and that comes in handy not only at school, but also at work and in your everyday life. Other than the many natural ways to improve your memory, you can also use other techniques like visualizing concepts, reading out loud and varying your study routine to boost your memory.