Memorization: One Kind of Mind Workout

To memorize is to store information in your brain for reuse later. The definition of memory is the power or act of remembering. The definition of remembering is to recall, to bring back to mind by an effort. There are two kinds of memory, short-term and long-term, each stored in a separate part of the brain. All long-term memories were once stored in short-term. Giving these parts of the brain a workout through memorization games can help keep them fit and benefit you in your writing.

Most of us are born with the ability to memorize things temporarily and then forget them when they are no longer of use (there are a few conditions that break this ability). Although, it seems that some of us are better at it than others. Remember all those times in years past you studied just for the sake of passing a test and now you couldn’t pass that test if your life depended on it? This is the result of short-term memory — those memorized facts never got moved to long-term storage.

Flash cards are a well-known tool for memorization. If you are studying a foreign language, you can use flash cards to write one interpretation on one side, and the other version of the word on the other side. Children’s books often use the flash card method to tell a story that will help the child memorize. Pop-ups are a fun way to learn. Many books will use pictures of animals, toys, or even food to help a child memorize the name of a word and its proper usage.

Have you ever taught tricks to a dog? It must memorize the steps to the trick in the process of learning what you want. Now, maybe you need to learn some tricks — like recalling names at a party!

There are a vast number of books written on the process to improve memory. Here are a few ways you can take some time to work our your memory muscle:

• Word games: You don’t have to dig out the Scrabble board and coerce some friends to play with you to play a word game. If you subscribe to TV Guide or a newspaper, you have access to a regular supply of an excelled memory muscle workout machine: crossword puzzles. This type of word game requires extensive use of memory.
• Name games: Playing with the names of people or places can help you memorize them. Make a rhyming game in your mind with the name. Rhyming stories are a fun way to memorize, to. Or you could try associating the name with a color.
• Card games: Several card games rely, at least in part, on memory. The big one, of course, is Concentration, where you turn over cards to find a match. Remembering one you turned over before as a match to one you just turned over now requires an active short-term memory. Go Fish is another game that can work your memory muscle.

Whatever you do to give your memory a workout can only benefit your mind and help it stay sharp. So take some time out each day to “jog your memory.”