7 methods to improve memory and concentration for students
BY SEBASTIAN MILLER
Memory and focus are two critical factors that can have a massive impact on one’s academic performance. With a sound memory, which consists of the ability to recall past events precisely with ease, you stand a chance of achieving your targeted grades, irrespective of how challenging your course of study is or what kind of essay writing assisstance you managed to find.
Being able to concentrate in class or while studying is another critical factor that can set a student apart. And excitingly, these things are not that difficult to improve. Here are a few tips to help you improve memory and concentration.
- Create time for mindfulness meditation
There are enormous benefits you can get from this act. Just 10 to 20 minutes of meditation daily can help boost your attention span, according to research. And in addition to preventing the mind from wandering and reducing anxious thoughts, mindfulness meditation can lower the risk of depression, reduce stress levels, and improve cardiovascular health.
According to research, a neurophysiological link exists between breathing and attention. The study also went further to indicate that breathing, which is a critical element in mindfulness meditation, directly impacts noradrenalin, a natural chemical found in the brain. So, how one breathes affects the chemistry of the brain in a way that can improve one’s concentration and brain health.
- Stop the distractions
One of the ways you can improve your concentration is to avoid distractions in any form. You also have to discipline yourself and know when to say no to things that are not initially in your plans.
Technology can also help improve your concentration. If you discover that you are spending too much time on social media or other platforms instead of studying or concentrating on your research (probably while working on your assignment), then you can install software or app that prevents access to social media until you are done with your work.
- Fight and conquer that procrastination
Having too much work on your desk or thinking about too many things at a time can make it more challenging for an individual to concentrate. So, avoid procrastination. Make it a habit to work on tasks at the appropriate time, so that at the end of the day, you will have little to worry about.
Procrastination can increase your workload, which can result in confusion and poor concentration. On the other hand, thinking about too many things at a time can increase your stress levels also.
- Cut back on sugar consumption
A reduction in sugar consumption can have a massive impact on one’s cognitive ability and general health. Research has pointed out that excess consumption of sugar-laden diets can cause poor memory in both young and old.
Besides sugar reduction, another thing you can do to improve your memory is to start incorporating brain foods into your diet. Examples of such foods include blueberry, fatty fish, dark chocolate, water, flax seeds, and leafy green vegetables.
- Engage in physical activities
Exercise does not only benefit the body. It can also benefit your mind and help to improve concentration. Exercise helps to boost one’s focus by making sure that the brain ignores any form of distraction.
You can exercise for at least 5 – 10 minutes daily and still reap huge benefits. You don’t have to spend hours daily or engage in rigorous exercise to achieve your aim.
Also, engaging in physical activities can cause you to maintain a healthy body weight, which is essential for your wellbeing. It’s also one of the ways you can keep your mind and body in top shape. Obesity, on the other hand, can cause changes to genes related to memory, which can negatively affect one’s memory.
- Sleep
Having proper rests, particularly during night hours, is another proven method for students to improve memory and concentration. Research has also pointed out that being sleep deprived can impact one’s memory negatively.
It is also advisable to sleep for at least 7 – 9 hours per day. Another thing to consider about sleep is not only the duration but time of sleep. For instance, if you usually sleep around 10 pm every day, ensure you sleep in the said time regularly.
- Train your brain
Another method to improve memory is to engage in cognitive exercises regularly. In this case, you need to play brain games and increase difficulty levels gradually. Examples of brain games include crosswords, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, chess, among others.
Conclusion
Having a sound memory and the ability to focus attentively can help you progress faster in your academic life. So, if your memory and concentration are not as you want them to be, you need to start doing the right thing to improve them. However, the tips on this post can help you achieve that. So, start implementing them to improve your memory and concentration.
Author Bio
Sebastian Miller is a former Calling Lake School science teacher. After 4 years of teaching, he decided to become a freelance writer. In Sebastian’s opinion, math is the core of all science and his goal is to enlighten as many schoolers as possible through writing
