According To A Study, This Is The Secret To Improving Your Memory

The secret to improving your memory is really simple: take breaks. The brain has more limited energy resources than you think, it tires quickly and its levels of attention begin to drop between 30 and 45 minutes. After all, we are not machines, we are made of cells, nerve connections, tissues and a heart that pumps blood, oxygen and nutrients.

We get exhausted very easily and there are brain regions that need our help to carry out such basic tasks as consolidating memory. However, we are experts in pushing our body to the limit. We are those beings addicted to multitasking, spending the night up studying before the exam and getting used to clearly harmful lifestyle habits.

If you want to improve your memory, you need to delve a little deeper into the world of neuroscience. Knowing how your brain works will allow you to reach your full potential and, more importantly, live better.

Remember, this is the secret to improve your memory

Magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin D… The brain needs multiple nutrients (including glucose) to function normally. We cannot neglect that this organ consumes almost 20% of our total energy. Now, beyond a good diet, the secret to improving your memory is in your lifestyle.

It is important to emphasize this nuance. Because according to neuroscience, the way we organize our days and even the study methodology in schools does not harmonize with the way the brain learns, memorizes or processes information.

For example, stress is a highly harmful element for the proper functioning of the brain and its cognitive processes (attention, reflection, memory, etc.). Likewise, exhaustion and poor night’s rest are other variables that we must take into account. Therefore, it is important that you remember what the secret to improving your memory really is.

9-15 minute breaks restart your brain

Michaela Dewar, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh in the UK, conducted a study with other experts to understand how to improve memory consolidation processes. What they discovered is that  something as simple as taking breaks of between 9 and 15 minutes improves memory, both in healthy people and in those with neurological damage.

Now you have to take into account a small detail. That rest must be real, that is, you have to go to a dim, quiet space and not have any distractions around. This includes not having your cell phone nearby.

The connection between the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex is key

The hippocampus is that area of ​​the brain that is decisive for our short-term memories to be consolidated in the long term. Declarative, episodic, spatial memory, etc. are processed in it. Now, for this consolidation to be possible, there must be an adequate connection with different regions of the cerebral cortex.

Currently, we know that for this connectivity to be carried out optimally we must rest. Factors such as exhaustion, negative valence emotions or stress make it difficult to link one area to the other.

The hippocampus and a small area of ​​the lateral occipital complex coordinate to reproduce everything experienced and thus consolidate memories while we are relaxed or asleep.

The secret to improving your memory requires “recharging” your mind

It is true that, for a long time, it was taken for granted that the key to consolidating memories was a night’s rest. Now we know that short day breaks also optimize data and information retention. However, the experts affect something important.

In this age of hyper-connectedness and constant hyperstimulation, people have forgotten how to rest. We have a hard time sitting down and not thinking about anything. We no longer know how to go anywhere without our mobile and check it every few minutes. Our gaze, our mind and our attention are always on the screen. All these dynamics hinder the correct consolidation of memories.

The secret to improving your memory requires you to rest between 10 and 15 minutes leaving your mind blank. Without doing anything and in a quiet place. Knowing how to rest is decisive for your cognitive function, to balance emotions and renew energy.

Recharging the mind is much more important than charging the mobile. Because beyond the classic memory techniques, beyond vitamins and minerals are our lifestyle habits. Rest is not wasting time, allowing ourselves small breaks is investing in health and well-being.