As exams approach, it seems that books have become a burden on the mind. Even after studying day and night, the mind says – “Enough! I can’t bear it anymore.”
Have you ever felt that it seems impossible to memorize the entire semester’s syllabus in one go? Yes, this is the case with almost every student. So if you also think the same, then don’t worry. You are not alone.
The good news is that there are some easy and fun ways to strengthen memory. By adopting these, you will not only be able to remember things quickly but will also be able to retain them in the mind for a long time.
Whether you are a school student, in college or preparing for a competitive exam – these 15 memory hacks will be useful for you. Let’s understand them one by one.
1. Memory Palace Technique – Build a palace of memories
This method is very old. The Greeks and Romans also used this. It is also called the Method of Loci.
How does it work?
You have to imagine in your mind a place that you remember well – like your house.
Let’s say you enter the house:
- Open the door
- Put the keys on the table
- Go to the kitchen
- Open the fridge
- Then go to the living room
Now associate whatever you want to remember with these places. And yes, the images should be funny and strange so that they stick in the mind.
Example: If you want to remember broccoli, then imagine that the broccoli is opening the door and inviting you in.
Such imaginations may seem strange, but they have a deep impact on memory.
2. Spaced Repetition – Repeat again and again
This is the most effective way to learn and remember. In this, you read again and again, but keep a time gap in between.
How to do it?
- Make flashcards – questions on one side, answers on the other
- Turn them over and over every day and ask yourself questions
- Remove what you have memorized, repeat what you haven’t
This makes your brain automatically try to remember the information.
Example: If you learn a word, then repeat it the same day, then the next day, then after three days, then after a week. Gradually that information will become firm.
3. Acronyms and Rhymes – Play with words
Make new words or sentences to remember.
Example:
- HOMES = Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior (names of Great Lakes)
- Or like children remember the alphabet by singing the song “A B C D”.
Similarly, you can easily remember the periodic table or the names of the planets.
4. Reading Before Sleeping – Sleep Learning
If you repeat the things you have read just before sleeping, then the brain remembers them deeply.
Why does it work?
During sleep, the brain organizes the information of the whole day. This is called Memory Consolidation.
So, read your notes once the night before the exam and then sleep well.
5. Chunking – Divide large information into smaller parts
If you have to remember a lot of things, then break them into smaller parts.
Example:
- You have to remember a 12-digit number – 1234 – 5678 – 9012
- Divide historical events according to time or topic.
Smaller parts seem easier to the brain.
6. Teach to Learn – Teach and learn
When you teach someone, you also understand more deeply. This is called the Protégé Effect.
How to do it?
- Read as if you have to teach someone else.
- Explain to a friend, sibling or yourself.
- Teach aloud – like a teacher does in class.
When you speak aloud, the information is more firmly embedded in the mind.
7. Writing is More Effective
Nowadays it is easy to type everything, but writing by hand is more effective.
Why?
Because while writing, the brain thinks, understands and moves the hand. These three things together strengthen the memory.
Example: If you have to memorize a definition, write it by hand two-three times. It will be remembered automatically.
8. The Magic of Colors – Color Coding
Colors are not just beautiful, but also help in memorizing.
Example:
- Definitions in green
- Examples in blue
- Important dates in yellow
The brain remembers by associating color with information.
9. Use All Five Senses
We usually study only by seeing and hearing. But if you also add taste, smell and touch, then the memory becomes stronger.
Examples:
- Apply a new perfume while studying and use the same perfume in the exam
- Eat chewing gum or toffee
- Use a special pen or table while studying
The brain remembers information by associating it with that experience.
10. Adopt Healthy Habits
If sleep, diet and exercise are not right, then the effect of studying is reduced.
What to do?
- Take 7–8 hours of sleep every day
- Eat brain foods like walnuts, fish, blueberries and dark chocolate
- Do light exercises, like morning walk or stretching
The brain will remain fresh and the power of remembering will increase.
11. Use Pictures
Associate information with pictures.
Example: If you want to remember that Harry S. Truman gave the Fair Deal plan, then imagine your pet cat “Harry” is sitting on the table and the scales of justice are kept in front of him.
Such funny imaginations are remembered by the brain immediately.
12. Keep Changing the Place
Reading at the same place every time is boring.
- Sometimes read sitting in the park
- Sometimes on the roof
- Sometimes in the library
The brain remembers information by associating it with new places.
13. Connect It with Old Information
Know how to connect new things with old information.
14. Read in Different Ways
It is boring to adopt the same method every time.
- Sometimes read by watching a video
- Sometimes by book
- Sometimes by discussing with friends
Different methods force the mind to think from different angles.
15. Understand, Don’t Just Memorize
If you just memorize, the mind forgets quickly. But if you understand the reason and the story, the information stays for a long time.
Example: To remember a historical treaty, understand why it happened, who all were involved and what was its result. The date will be remembered automatically.
Final Thoughts
Friends, increasing memory is not magic. This is possible with the right methods and small habits.
Every person’s brain is different. Some learn faster from memory palaces, some from flash cards, and some from colors. You just have to choose the method that seems easiest and most fun for you.
Remember – take studies like a game or a story. Then you will have fun and your memory will also become excellent.
