What is the most Effective Way to Enhance Working Memory?
Working memory is nothing but one’s ability to recall, as well as process, information and manipulate several facts in one’s mind for a transient period. Working memory is very important for focusing on any specific task, avoiding distractions and updating yourself with the surroundings. So, if you want to enhance your working memory, then you need to follow these seven steps.
Get Creative
Creative thinking has much more advantage when it comes to keeping your mind sharp and focused. A creative approach forces you to flex your brain muscles that are responsible for memory. Research shows that when we start thinking of creative ways to perform our daily work or use everyday objects, certain areas of our brain are activated that are associated with working memory. So, whenever you are going to do any task, try to do it in unconventional ways.
Get Moving Outdoors
Scientists have unlocked some new secrets for improving memory, one involves breaking some sweat. Get outside, go for a run or take a walk, do some exercise, which will give the necessary boost to your memory. According to researchers at the University of Michigan, interacting with nature, such as running in the park or a small walk between woods, greatly improves memory and attention. Sometimes, we also need some fresh air and sunshine to stay healthy.
Training
Another effective method of improving working memory is to play different brain training games. These days, a lot of brain training games, such as BrainHQ, are available on the internet, and most are free. You just need to sit on your couch and try these games. Brain training games improve your brain function, boost your working memory and also give you the ability to think faster.
Sleep More
A sufficient amount of sleep is necessary to enhance working memory. Better sleep is required to stay healthy, it also improves a person’s creative thinking. People who find it difficult to manage six to seven hours of sleep at night should take naps during the day when possible. Although napping won’t make anyone smart, it boosts one’s memory level and also improves problem solving. One German study found that 10 to 15 minutes of napping helped a person recall a list of 20 to 30 words which he/she had memorized earlier.
Drink Coffee
Caffeine has a lot of cognitive-enhancing effects that include strengthening people’s working memory. Researchers at John Hopkins University used fresh-brewed coffee as a memory enhancer. According to the article published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, a full mug of coffee enhances memory for up to 24 hours after it is consumed. It is advisable to consume a full mug of freshly-brewed coffee in the morning because we all need a better memory to start the day.
Chew Gum
Scientists suggest that chewing gum can improve our memory by thirty-five percent. Researchers at Cardiff University in the UK performed a study on their students. They found that those students who chewed gum throughout tests had significantly better short-term and long-term memory and also scored better than those students who did not chew gum. Now, you might be thinking, what kind of gum is best for enhancing working memory? Though there are no instructions for choosing gum for memory, any kind will do. But it’s prudent to avoid gum sweetened with sugar or harmful chemicals.
Medication
Though it sounds strange, with the proper medication you can enhance your working memory. Nowadays, various drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, and nootropics are available that can enhance the brain’s cognitive functions.
These drugs work on the user’s catecholamine system and improve his /her cognitive functions. As a result, the user’s working memory is increased and it also leads to improved focusing power.
