In today’s fast-paced world of education, students need to be able to retain information and stay focused on tasks to improve their academic performance. If you or any student you know is looking to improve memory and concentration skills, you’ll find this guide helpful. It covers the best tips and tricks that can help you enhance your cognitive function while studying and achieve academic excellence.
What Is Memory Power?
Memory power is the capacity of an individual’s brain to acquire new information, store it, and retrieve it. It plays a fundamental role in the learning process, as it determines how students assimilate, retain information, and recall it.
Memory strength is similar to muscular strength; it can be trained by stretching it over time. The more mental challenges you take on, the higher your memory power becomes. Learning a new skill, e.g., playing chess or sudoku, learning a new language, or learning a musical instrument, is an effective way to strengthen your memory capacity. Basically, the more mentally challenging the task, the better [1].
What Is Concentration?
Concentration is the ability to direct your attention, focus, and overall mental powers toward a particular activity, problem, or task for an extended period. It involves avoiding distractions such as unrelated thoughts, notifications from mobile devices, and external activities [2].
Poor concentration is one of the major causes of poor academic performance. Many students find it a tad challenging to focus and concentrate during study sessions or exams; this often leads to poor comprehension, decreased productivity, and poor grades. However, in students, poor concentration, as well as poor memory, doesn’t only affect their academic endeavors; it also has an impact on other areas of their lives including personal relationships and work.
Can Memory and Focus Be Improved?
Yes, with the right approach and strategies, memory and focus can be improved. While some people naturally possess stronger memory and the ability to focus and concentrate, just about anyone can boost these cognitive functions. Consistent and proper practice can help students tap into their full potential and achieve remarkable improvements in their academic performance.
As mentioned earlier, learning a new skill and engaging in certain mentally challenging activities are a few of the ways that can be achieved, but there are other ways. Let’s take a look at them.
The Best Ways to Boost Memory Power and Concentration While Studying
While there are numerous ways you can boost your memory power and concentration while studying, here are the best ones to achieve it.
Get Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep is needed for proper cognitive function. During sleep, the brain gets rid of toxic waste and stores new information, making it easier to recall later. The Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) recommends getting 7–8 hours of quality sleep each day for improved memory, concentration, and overall brain health [3][4].
Be Physically Active Every Day
Physical activities, such as walking, jogging, running, and yoga, increase blood to the brain, carrying oxygen and nutrients for optimal memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. Physical activities also trigger the release of certain neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, which elevate mood and boost focus. Aim to take at least 10,000 steps every day to stay active.
Avoid Cramming
Do not cram all your studying into a single study session; instead, spread it out over multiple sessions. Reading and assimilating information repeatedly over a period of time allow the brain to process and store information more effectively. Spacing your studying while staying consistent reinforces memory formation and boosts retention.
Structure and Organize
Well-planned and structured learning allows for better assimilation and improved focus. Develop a structured study plan; tools like a to-do list and a calendar can help you out. After that, break down your study sessions into smaller tasks that you can easily manage. This will help you to increase concentration and prevent becoming overwhelmed while studying.
Read Out Loud
Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada discovered that reading out loud (speaking and hearing yourself) helps the brain to store and recall information faster, even in the long term. This studying technique proves effective for presentations; it also comes in handy for studying complex concepts [5].
Use Memory Techniques
There are some memory tricks that can help you boost memory power and concentration while studying. They include mnemonics, acronyms, and visualization. Mnemonics are ways of creating patterns or associations to help remember large pieces of information. Acronyms involve the use of the first letters of a series of words to create a word or phrase that’s much easier to recall. And last but not least, visualization involves creating mental images of anything to help recall it.
Leverage Technology Wisely
Today, there are countless productivity apps and tools to help improve focus, limit distractions, and boost organization. There are also various Pomodoro timers that can help segment study time into active hours and short breaks, enhancing concentration while minimizing the risk of burnout. By putting these apps to good use, you can boost your memory power and concentration while studying.
Take “Smart Drugs”
Combining medication with lifestyle changes can help speed up the process of enhancing cognitive function. While there are several safe and effective “smart drugs” that can enhance cognition, Artvigil is one of the most popular medications used for this purpose. It contains the active ingredient armodafinil known for its ability to improve concentration, memory, and brain function without causing serious side effects. You can buy Artvigil 150 mg online from a reputable online pharmacy with a proven track record. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking this medication.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering how to improve concentration and memory while studying, the tips and tricks outlined in this blog post can help you. Improving memory and concentration requires effective strategies and consistent effort, but it is achievable. By getting enough sleep, utilizing memory techniques, and avoiding cramming, among other tips mentioned above, students can significantly boost their academic performance and cognitive function. What’s more, exploring the potential benefits of “smart drugs” such as Artvigil can provide an extra edge, but you should consult your doctor before taking any medication.
References
- 25 Ways to Improve Your Memory. By Jacquelyn Cafasso. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD. Retrieved: May 18, 2023. Healthline.com.
- Improving Concentration/Memory. Retrieved: May 18, 2023. Ucc.vt.edu.
- Why Do We Sleep? What Happens During Sleep? By Kirsten Nunez and Karen Lamoreux. Medically reviewed by Raj Dasgupta, MD. Published: July 20, 2020. Retrieved: May 18, 2023. Healthline.com.
- Experts Recommend 7-8 Hours of Sleep for Better Brain Health. Retrieved: May 18, 2023. Sph.unc.edu.
- Reading Information Aloud to Yourself Improves Memory of Materials. Retrieved: May 18, 2023. Sciencedaily.com.
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