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Memory Fixer-Upper, à la College Student
Okay, so this year sucks. Haven’t really seen much opposition from others on that statement.
No matter who you are, or what you do in this world, you’ve been affected by this seemingly never-ending game of Jenga. However, life goes on, and we gotta do what we gotta do to keep things moving forward.
Now, a moment of silence for college students – I feel you. I really do. The shift of curriculum to an online/hybrid based one is not a simple adjustment, and you might have found yourself unable to function altogether on top of everything. Maybe even wanted to drop out. I know, for me, personally, I just can’t find it in me to sit down and absorb important knowledge that comes from behind a screen. I need to keep engaged and motivated before I just blank out and lose it altogether.
Do you find your concentration teetering at times? What was it that you had for dinner? Can’t remember that one acronym for that one biology class? Or, just forgetting that entire vocab list altogether?
Then let’s keep this train going! We can do this (remember that we didn’t just drop all of this money for nothing!) and to help, I’m gonna share the things that actually keep my focus and memory in check.
The Handlers of Memory
Okay, so first we gotta go over what actually handles the brain when it comes to memory. Memory and processing area located through different parts of the brain, such as the amygdala, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, and the hippocampus. These guys all have certain tasks that all in all, are heavily involved in keeping your memories in check and stored safely.
Amygdala: Responsible for managing the emotions tied with your experiences. The strength of the feelings you felt tags that memory and highlights it to be remembered. EX: your fight or flight!
Cerebellum: A pretty important one, as it deals with your motor controls and keeping everything running smoothly; speech, your body movement, even remembering how to do things like holding chopsticks.
Hippocampus: It’s shaped like a seahorse! A key team player in forming those long-term memories, recognition, and recollection of events.
Prefrontal Cortex: Your best friend when it comes to planning and setting goals. Not to mention, your personality, how you express your emotions, and even how you approach and react to social situations.
Short- and Long-Term Memory
Now, we need to discuss the difference between short- and long-term memory. The terms are just what they are, making it easier to understand. Short term memory is vulnerable and fleeting, as it could last for a few seconds to a couple of days. This is just the little things, such as recalling what you had for dinner or where your car was parked. Long term, on the other hand, requires just a smidge more in terms of effort to keep it retained. As a college student who studies and trains to become fluent in a major, this is the one you are going to want to focus on improving. Rehearsal moves that info along to solidify as a long-term memory. Rehearsal is that just that: repetition and practice!
Implicit and Explicit Memory
Going a bit further on long term memory, let’s go over implicit vs. explicit memory. Now, implicit memory is the big pile of what you’re most familiar with, the perfect example being riding a bicycle; you never really forget it once you learn. The memories lie idle in the background, essentially waiting for the time you need them to be of use. Explicit memory is more about the things and events you have experienced. Its more through association and needs a little nudge, as something you see, hear and touch can pull that memory from within the recesses of your memories, such as remembering your 12th birthday.
Some Advice to Keep Memory Going
Now, memory is a precious, albeit delicate thing. Memories, no matter good or bad, stick with us for a very long time. As a college student, learning your trade requires hard work and dedication to keep those vital pieces of info locked in and secured within the recesses your brain for when you need it in the future. So, from a fellow college student to another, here are some things I keep in mind to maintain my head on my shoulders!
Space your learning out. Try not to cram info in to avoid that inevitable overload. This is a perfect opportunity to train your noggin into a comfortable pace to remember all that info. If sticking to a study routine helps you, go for it! Pushing that load of material up there along with the panic is like trying to shove that last pair of jeans into your already full suitcase; it’s just more trouble than it’s worth.
Nothing can go wrong with a mnemonic device. Mnemonic devices are straight to the point and cue in with that thing you are supposed to remember. Whether it be through the means of acronyms or a fun little sentence (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, anyone?), this technique is just the thing to get that spark going and dig that info out when you need it.
It helps to talk it out loud with yourself. For me personally, this has helped out with remembering certain orders of processes or just the simple concept of something itself. Keep it short and succinct; vocalizing out and repetition just drills it into your long-term memory faster. Literally, all you have to do is just say it and keep repeating it until something sticks.
Write it down. Sometimes, it’s as simple as that. Jotting down notes or even rewriting the same thing over and over again is effective, especially if you forget a word or two; it trains your brain to fill in the blanks the more you repeat, letting your recollection skills kick in to drill it in further.
Give your brain a boost! It doesn’t have to be all complex and boring. Doing certain things that make your brain work just a little harder is all you need. Whether it be learning a language, playing an instrument, or even a simple crossword puzzle, your brain will appreciate it in the long run. Cardio and other exercise (ugh, I know) also helps to keep the blood pumping all throughout your head and body, all the while helping to avoid certain risks such as disorders and stimulate your neurons.
It’s not rocket science – you need to get some sleep. Okay, I’m guilty of pulling all-nighters as much as the next person, but let’s be real! Being that state of exhaustion does nothing for concentration because next thing you know, you’re passed out amongst your books. Not even regarding studying, but for the long term, as it’s just harmful for your overall health. Depending on the person, little naps here and there during a deep study session might even be more effective for you. It’s easier to stay alert and more focused when you aren’t running on three hours of sleep.
Try to avoid drinks or eat foods that throw you off. This is just a general safe rule, folks. We all know how good those burgers and fries are, but give it a little bit of time and you end up feeling sluggish and unwilling to do anything other than rest once it settles in. A little bit of coffee and tea will jumpstart those wheels and get them rolling, keeping you focused for some time, but in moderation. Not to mention, brain foods! Stick to foods that are rich in vitamins and protein (yes, that includes vegetables) to maintain a healthy body and an improved mind.
Detox the bad energy and look forward. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but a person can only be stretched out so thin. In the realm of memorizing things, it’s smarter to break things apart into sections, rather than taking it all in and hoping for the best. Also, don’t get too stressed if you can’t seem to keep a tight grasp on that one concept that seems to run away. Sometimes, you just need to explore your options! If one method doesn’t work, try another.
Time to train that brain! Your memory is one of the most important aspects about you – they shape who you are, your behaviors, and your abilities. And so, it’s necessary to take the extra step to make sure it’s as best as it can be. Of course, there’s other creative methods that you can create yourself to prepare that mind for the coming semesters of school. Studying with others, making a bullet journal about it, Quizlet, etc., find whatever works for you and strengthens your mind and concentration. Good luck out there!
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