The issue is if you haven’t mastered effective study habits, you’re likely to fail the tests. 

Effective study habits are necessary to help you focus on, organize, and learn your course material. Forming studying habits also helps you to know which type of studying (group or individual) works best for you. 

Whether you work better by studying by yourself or in groups, great study habits begin with 5Ps: Proactive Preparation Produces Positive Performance. 

Consider these ideas to put the 5Ps to work for you and pass your exams: 

1. Proactive. Avoid waiting until the teacher announces that they will be giving an exam before you start studying. It’s most beneficial to decide that from the first day of school, you’ll do everything differently: 

• Use the Course outlines to guide you to scheduled exam dates. 
• Start reading ahead from the outset. Take notes from course materials ahead of time, so your classes will help clarify the most important points. With this technique, going over the material in class actually helps to instill the ideas in your brain with greater understanding and repetition as well. 
• Keep a notebook that lists each Course and the scheduled dates of the exams. This makes it easier to see at a glance all the exams that you have and helps you to pace yourself. This notebook is also useful for jotting down insights regarding the scheduled exams. 

2. Preparation. Clearly identify the areas and the depth of the material that you will need to cover. Get clarity from the teacher. Gather any necessary textbooks and supporting materials. This way, their expectation is in sync with yours and you can work with the most pertinent materials. 

3. Produces. Make written notes of important points when going over course materials and in class. Of course, you’ll want to produce accurate notes so that you’ll have correct information to review! 

• To prevent losing focus and making mistakes, ensure that you avoid all distractions (phones, music, television, radio, friends, multi-tasking, and social media) while writing your notes. 
• Check your work before relying on it as a study guide. In doing this, not only will you be checking for accuracy, but your brain will also be soaking up that knowledge from the repetition. 

4. Positive. The fact that you spent time to reason with the material, study it, and otherwise grapple with the course will cause you to triumph over the exams. You have put in the hard work. You can expect positive results! 

5. Performance. You’ve exercised effective study habits. It’s time for the test. Have a good night’s sleep, relax, and you’ll have good success. 

The 5Ps of passing any exam is a simple mantra that reminds you that Proactive Preparation Produces Positive Performance.Use these tips starting from the beginning of any course to help you prepare for the exams and you’ll enjoy great success on exam day! 

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If you’re having trouble concentrating, you have plenty of company. More than 70% of office workers report that they’re frequently interrupted, and most of them say that those disruptions stop them from feeling like they’ve had a successful day, according to Forbes Magazine. 

Chatty colleagues and pop up ads are unlikely to go away, but you can increase your focus. Strengthening your concentration requires training your mind much like you train your body. 

Enrich your personal and professional life by making it easier to absorb and retain information. Find out more about mental habits and lifestyle changes that will help you stay on task. 

Changing Your Mental Habits: 

1. Meditate daily. Mindfulness meditation is one of the most effective ways to become more focused as you teach yourself to direct your attention to observing your thoughts or another object. Each time your mind strays, you bring your attention back. 

2. Limit distractions. Some studies suggest that it takes almost half an hour for your brain to recover from an interruption. Try to minimize such events by turning off your phone and letting others know the hours when you need privacy. 

3. Avoid multitasking. Doing one thing at a time is becoming popular again. That’s because multitasking causes stress, impairs memory, and interferes with the quality of your work. 

4. Engage fully. It’s easier to pay attention when you’re enthusiastic about a project. Whatever you’re doing, strive to be fully present and commit yourself to making a contribution that you can be proud of. 

5. Find meaning. If your mind wanders during tedious tasks, think about your purpose. Regard housework as a way to keep your family safe and comfortable. While you’re filing, picture the clients who benefit from your work. 

6. Play games. You can even have fun while you’re giving your mind a workout. There’s evidence that video games and word puzzles build concentration and other mental skills. 

7. Keep practicing. Acquiring new habits and skills is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and evaluate your progress to see which methods work well for you. 

Other Tips: 

1. Prioritize sleep. Fatigue can affect your body the same way that alcohol does. If you want to be able to focus, you’ll need to sleep for 7 to 8 hours each night. Sticking to a regular schedule and blocking out background noise will help. 

2. Exercise regularly. Working out helps your physical and mental health because it sends more blood and oxygen to your brain. Visit the gym or go for a walk. 

3. Drink water.If you suddenly feel weak and scattered, you may be dehydrated. Drink water throughout the day. Remember that your sense of thirst declines as you age.

4. Take breaks. Your brain needs downtime. Schedule a quick break at least once an hour to move around and clear your thoughts. 

5. Banish clutter.Your environment affects your mental state and ability to perform. Throw away things you rarely use or donate them to charity. Clear off work surfaces and put items back in their place after using them. 

6. Appreciate nature. Green spaces boost your concentration. Spend time outdoors each day. Drink your morning coffee in your backyard or stroll around the neighborhood after dinner. 

7. See your doctor. About 5% of adults have an attention deficit disorder. Many other medical conditions and medications can make it difficult to focus too. Talk with your doctor about your individual concerns and what you can do to resolve them. 

You can increase your attention span by making simple changes in your daily habits. As you sharpen your focus, you’ll enjoy greater productivity and peace of mind. 

The post The Secret to Strengthening Your Concentration appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

Some people love to read, while others would rather rub salt into a wound than read. However, everyone should read on a daily basis. Time and time again, studies show that the most successful people are regular readers. 

Reading is a great way to learn, reduce stress, and improve yourself. 

Consider these reasons to read more: 

1. It’s an inexpensive way to learn. Books are inexpensive. In fact, there are plenty of books you can check out for free from the library. You can even sit in the bookstore for as long as you like and read. 

• Contrast the cost of a book with the cost of taking a class. Books are a great bargain. 

2. It’s a very efficient way to learn. There’s not much to do other than open the book and read. This is much more time-efficient than driving to the local university, parking, walking, sitting in class, and driving back home. 

• On top of that, you can read a lot faster than any professor speaks. Reading cuts out the middleman and speeds your acquisition of knowledge. 

3. Reading can help you to fall asleep. Studies show that reading before bed reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. 

• However, it’s important to avoid reading from a lighted screen, which can increase the time necessary to fall asleep. Tablets are great for storing a lot of books in a small space but avoid using them around bedtime. 

4. You have access to the thoughts of the world’s leading experts. Many of the most brilliant and relevant minds that have ever walked the earth have recorded their thoughts in written form. You can learn from the very best without having to leave your home. 

5. It’s good for your brain. Reading has been shown to reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s and enhance memory. It’s also been linked to enjoying a longer lifespan. If your goal is to live to see your 100th birthday, reading can help. 

6. Reading is good for your vocabulary. Most people only know 2-3% of the words in the English language. So, you’re not likely to learn any new words during a typical conversation. However, it’s easy to find a book that uses words outside of your current vocabulary. 

7. Reading can be a good form of entertainment. Reading is better in many ways than watching TV or surfing the internet. It’s a worthwhile and inexpensive way to spend your time. It’s not hard to find something to read on a topic that interests you. 

8. Readers are more interesting. Imagine talking to someone that’s read books on climbing Mount Everest, the geopolitics of the middle east, breeding reptiles, and aeronautical engineering. That would be a pretty interesting person to have a conversation with. You can be that person. 

9. Reading reduces stress. Reading has been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. Reading is a great way to get your mind off your problems and relax for a while. 

Make reading a daily habit. It’s inexpensive, relaxing, entertaining, and educational. Imagine how much you would learn if you just read 10 pages a day. That’s over 3,500 pages a year! That’s a lot of information. 

Reading eliminates the need to reinvent the wheel. You can learn from the failures and successes of the greatest minds in human history. 

Reading is ultimately a tremendous timesaver. Think of how much more you could accomplish if you had the knowledge of an expert at your fingertips. 

The post How Much Do You Read? 9 Reasons to Read More appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

Luckily, most of what you need to know to live life wisely has already been said and written. A lot of intelligent people have already lived and shared their ideas and experiences. This is one of the best aspects of reading good books. You can learn from others, rather than having to figure it out yourself. 

Consider these ideas: 

1. Action often trumps knowledge. Someone that knows a little but does a lot will beat someone that knows a lot but does little. Ensure that you’re not procrastinating under the guise of gathering more information. 

2. Focus on the things you can control. If you can control it, why worry? Just take action to manage it the best you can. If you can’t control it, there’s no value in worrying. 

3. You can’t control other people. You can’t make anyone change.

• Instead, focus on being the best you can be. 

4. Your life is passing by quicker than you think. There’s no time for worrying or waiting. Get busy living your life. 

5. Progress is more important than perfection. Striving for perfection is a waste of time. Just focus on doing a little better today than you did yesterday. Good things will happen. 

6. Failure is a required part of success. Stop trying to avoid failure. Learn from your mistakes, do your best, and keep moving forward until you reach your goal. 

7. People think about you a lot less than you think they do. It might be a relief, or it might be insulting, but few people care about your successes and failures. Either way, it’s true. 

8. The best policy is to take responsibility for everything in your life – good and bad. If you accept responsibility, you can celebrate your successes and fix anything that’s unacceptable to you. Blame others and you’re powerless. 

9. What you want most is better than what you want right now. Avoid the tendency to make yourself happy today instead of doing what will make you happy in the future. 

• For example, saving your money for the house you desperately want to buy is a smarter option than buying a motorcycle today. 
• Be willing to make sacrifices for what you really want. 

10. Choosing whether to be right or to be happy is an important decision. When dealing with others, there are times that you can’t be both. Which is more important to you? 

11. Dealing with your fears is much easier than avoiding them. Deal with a fear and it eventually goes away. Avoid it, and you’ll soon be structuring your life around it. 

12. Most of the things you fear will never happen. And if they do, it won’t be as bad as you think. 

13. Your time is your most valuable possession. Time is the one thing you can’t get more of. How you spend your time determines the quality of your life. 

14. People are doing the best they can. You don’t know what others are going through or have gone through. Everyone is doing the best they can at that moment. 

15. Place a priority on your health. Everything suffers if your health deteriorates. 

16. Avoid making decisions when you’re emotionally compromised. Science has shown that your ability to make wise decisions is hindered by strong emotions. Wait until you calm down. 

17. Quitting is failing. You’ve only failed when you quit. 

Choosing to live your life wisely is your right. Too many people live life the hard way. There’s no reason to guess what it takes to be happy and successful. The wisdom of others is a great starting point. 

Do you have any bits of wisdom? Add them to this list. Keep adding more ideas as you discover them. 

The post 17 Pieces of Life Wisdom Everyone Should Know appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

The act of reading exercises my imagination. I am introduced to new vocabulary, concepts, and ideas each time I open a book. 

Language is powerful and challenging, and I enjoy the mental stimulation. 

When I discover an unfamiliar word, I look it up. Increasing my vocabulary enables me to communicate with greater clarity because I can say exactly what I mean. As my mental dictionary grows, everything I encounter possesses an increased level of definition. 

My mind is actively engaged when I read. Afterward, I process and reflect on the material with an open mind. 

Encountering beliefs that challenge my own encourages me to research the unknown. In this manner, my reading is augmented by peripheral texts and new venues of literature. I reinforce my knowledge while availing myself to different opinions. Mentally, I gain the ability to see multiple sides of a position. 

New ideas sometimes influence my perception, and I develop new methods of contemplating everyday events. 

I treat the act of reading the same as physical exercise. I perform it regularly. Just like an exercise routine, I introduce new material to avoid stagnation. When my day is full, I search for small opportunities to read. 

My cognitive strength increases with each day. 

Today, I look forward to reading something new. I can experience exciting adventures, thoughts, and ideas just by opening a book or with the click of my mouse. 

Self-Reflection Questions: 

1. What genres do I enjoy reading? Why? Could I enhance my life by expanding into new ones?
   
2. What amount of time spent reading in one day might be considered too much?
   
3. How can I strengthen my retention of the things I read?
   

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My workplace is blessed to have employees from different ethnic and social backgrounds. I take the time to learn more about the upbringing of my peers.

It is fulfilling to spend time getting to know people who are different from me. Their beliefs and customs teach me to respect and be open to varied points of view. My willingness to listen to them helps to make us more effective as a team.

I seek friendships with people whose cultural makeup is different from mine. Our time together is educational because it gives me an opportunity to learn.

Hearing their perspectives helps me to remain humble. It prevents me from getting caught up with my opinions. My diverse friends remind me that there are worlds of people with views as strong as my own.

Cultural differences show me that being different is at times more powerful than being the same. Holding the hands of people with different beliefs but the same end goal is exciting. It makes it easy to show tolerance in daily interactions.

Today, I celebrate the fact that I am surrounded by various cultures. I embrace each opportunity to learn about others and teach them about me. The collaboration that comes from diversity is wonderful to me.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What strategies do I use to understand the actions of others?

2. How open am I to adjusting my perspective when it is challenged?

3. What characteristics do I look for in the people I choose as friends?

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Maybe you want to read more, but one thing or another keeps getting in the way. If you’re going to boost your record, it’s important to do more than wait around for vacations or sick days to catch up.

Try following this recipe for consuming bigger portions of the written word.

Make Reading Interesting

1. Follow your passions. There are books on every subject. Start with something you love, whether it’s quantum physics or old movies.

2. Expand your options. Are you feeling guilty about the bestseller that’s been sitting on your nightstand since last Christmas? Keep a variety of fresh reading material around to stimulate your curiosity.

3. Know when to quit.If you’re bored with one title, move on. Stay engaged by reading only what you care about.

Make Reading Social

1. Share lists.Does a local shop have a section for staff recommendations? Create your own suggestions to share with family and friends.

2. Lend and borrow. How about sharing the books while you’re at it? Reading will be more pleasurable when you can look forward to discussing your reactions with others. You may learn more about yourself and your loved ones.

3. Post reviews. Sites like Amazon and Goodreads make it easy to voice your opinions about any author and their works. You may find that you read more carefully when you know you’re going to report on what you think.

4. Join a club. Reading doesn’t have to be solitary. Look on Meetup for a book club near you or start one of your own.

Make Reading Convenient

1. Fill in gaps. If it’s difficult to carve out a full free hour, read when you can. That could include the time you spend on hold or standing in line for groceries.

2. Carry supplies.Put a paperback or magazine in your tote bag, so you can take it along with you wherever you go, or keep your e-reader handy. Stash some books in your office, car, and kitchen.

3. Install shelves. How many bookshelves do you have at home? Having your books visible and accessible will make you want to read more.

4. Plan ahead.While it pays to incorporate reading into your daily routine, you can also take advantage of opportunities to dive deeper into great works. When you’re recovering from surgery or taking an international flight, you can use the time to brush up on Russian poetry or Greek art.

5. Keep it brief. On the other hand, if you’re swamped, you can still squeeze in some essays and short stories. Do what works for you.

6. Choose your format.E-readers and traditional books both have their advocates. Experiment with whatever options are most comfortable for you. You may even find that you like both approaches, depending on the subject matter or time of day.

7. Renew your library card. How long has it been since you visited your local library? Unlike most hobbies, reading can be totally free of charge.

Grow wiser and have fun by reading more books. Reading sharpens your thinking, reduces your stress levels, and helps you to feel more connected to the world around you. The next time you’re watching TV or checking your Facebook page, consider picking up a book instead.

The post Reading More Made Easy appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

While we spend all of our childhood in school, we’re rarely taught how to take notes or study.

Become a more successful student by studying more effectively:

1. Take good notes. Record all the ideas presented by the instructor. You can fill in the blanks with the textbook. Date each entry and keep all the notes for a particular class together.

• If your instructor writes it on the board, you’d better copy it into your notes!

2. Study a little each day. Most students wait until the last possible minute to study for a test, but there’s only so much you can learn in a day. Study in small, frequent sessions. The time to begin studying for the final is the first day of class. It’s never too soon.

• Study for a few minutes right before bed. Everyone needs a good bedtime story. Yours can be a riveting tale about sub-particle physics. Studies have shown that information learned just before falling asleep is better retained.
• Fifteen minutes each night over a 16-week semester is 28 hours! That’s a significant amount of study time.

3. Visit the instructor outside of class every so often. Avoid being a pest, but show that you care about learning the material. Have an intelligent question to ask. Avoid asking anything that can easily be found in your notes or the textbook. You’ll only make yourself look foolish or lazy.

• You’re likely to get the benefit of the doubt if your grade is borderline. All you need to do is stop in the instructor’s office and ask a good question a couple of times each month.

4. Have an attitude that works. When viewed negatively, studying becomes much more challenging. It’s about as exciting as mowing the grass on hot summer day – something unpleasant that has to be done. In reality, studying is a chance to learn new things, secure your future, and show your best.

• Avoid procrastinating, but study when you’re in the mood to do so. If you’re overly distracted or disinterested, wait until your attitude has changed.

5. Pick a location conducive to studying. A quiet location with minimal distractions is best. In spite of what you may think, studying with the TV on isn’t optimal. Find a quiet place where you can focus most easily.

• If possible, study in the place where you’ll be tested. It will be easier to recall the information.

6. Leave everything else at home. Leave your laptop if you don’t need it. The internet, Facebook, and 60 minutes of wasted time are only a few clicks away. Avoid bringing anything to your study session that might be a distraction.

7. Do the required reading before class. When there’s reading assigned to go along with the lecture, read the material before class. You’ll already have a good idea of what’s going on.

• It will also be easier to take notes since you’re familiar with the material.

8. Take frequent breaks. Avoid studying for more than an hour without taking a short break. Get up and move around. Call a friend and chat for a few minutes. You’ll get more done in the long-run.

Studying more effectively will take less time and provide better results. School doesn’t have to be stressful. Developing good habits is the key to success. Learn to study more intelligently rather than applying brute force to the situation. You can be a highly successful student.

The post Smart Study Strategies to Learn More in Less Time and Make Better Grades appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

Even if you never earned high grades in the past, you can turn your academic success around now.

You have a couple of huge advantages:

• You know what you want. You have a real purpose for going back to school. The average college student is taking his best guess.
• You know how to manage your time. The experience of being out in the workforce or running a household is excellent preparation for dealing with the time management issues that college presents.

Go back to school and set the curve:

1. Get started early on everything. Your ability to assimilate and recall new information might be a little rusty. Your fellow students have been in school for at least the last 12 years. That doesn’t mean you can’t crush them on exam day, but it does mean you may need to start studying and writing papers sooner.

2. Do a little each day. There are two reasons for this. You may not have the flexibility in your schedule to cram for a day or two before a test or spend all day and night writing a paper.

• It’s also a much more efficient way to study. Two hours of studying each night are much more effective than studying for seven hours, twice each week. Get ahead and stay there.

3. Avoid missing class. Many classes are now recorded, and you may have the option of staying home and watching the video instead of attending class. This can be an effective strategy, if you’re certain you can do well.

• If you’re a mediocre student, it’s best to attend class. Sit in the front row and be seen. You’re likely to get the benefit of the doubt when grades are handed out.

4. Ask pertinent questions. Nothing shows that you care like asking a relevant question during each class. Your professor will appreciate the opportunity to stop lecturing for a moment, and you’ll score a few points that might come in handy down the road.

• You’ll also have to know the material well in order to ask a good question. Avoid asking something that can easily be found in the textbook. Otherwise, you’ll appear lazy.

5. Get the help you need. Most colleges and universities have writing labs and tutoring services. Your professor will have office hours and possibility a teaching assistant. Make use of all the resources you require to do your best.

6. Make a few friends. It might feel more comfortable to take the lone wolf route, but that’s a mistake. Eventually, you’re going to miss a class and need to copy someone else’s notes. Asking a complete stranger might not go over well. Make a friend or two in each class. You’ll be glad you did.

7. Always be prepared. The lecture topic shouldn’t be a surprise to you. Do the required reading before class.

• The lecture should reinforce what you’ve already taught yourself. Hearing something for the second or third time will foster greater understanding.

Being an older student can be lonely, but the deck is stacked in your favor, even if you deal with a couple of disadvantages. Remember that you don’t have to outrun the bear, just your fellow travelers. Get started early, always attend class, and be prepared. You can get straight A’s, even if you haven’t in the past.

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I surround myself with people who help me to strengthen my critical thinking skills. Our thought-provoking discussions help me discover new knowledge, thoughts, and perceptions of the world around me.

I enjoy meeting others who can teach me something new.

Even when I am in the midst of a discussion about a topic that is foreign to me, I listen keenly. Each unfamiliar discussion spurs my desire to learn more. I enjoy opening my mind to new concepts and ideas.

I am open to the varied perspectives of those I interact with. Listening to their feedback gives me the chance to be introspective about my own point of view.

When we have a difference of opinion at work, I challenge my team members to support their perspective. I give them a chance to prove to me why they are on the right track. I am very accepting when someone successfully challenges my theory.

My willingness to be corrected expands my wisdom. I am humbled when the brilliance of others shows me angles that my mind prevents me from seeing right away.

Today, I am more objective because I stay open to healthy debate. I am committed to using discussion with others to expand my awareness. I increase my power when I remain open to new ideas and points of view.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What can I do to ensure debates remain respectful and calm?

2. How do I prepare myself to offer useful contributions to discussions with friends?

3. What are some of the topics that I prefer to stay away from discussing?

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If you stopped thinking about your education on graduation day, think again. Continuous learning is a lifelong adventure that enriches your personal and professional life.

Of course, even if you loved school, you may think it’s going to be tough to fit another project into your busy schedule. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to gain knowledge, expand your skills, and deepen your wisdom without having to drop what you’re doing already. Consider these ideas for bringing out the student in you.

Continuous Learning in the Workplace

Staying up to date increases your financial security and helps you to enjoy more job satisfaction. Advance your career by becoming a more valuable asset to any employer.

1. Participate in trainings. It’s usually worth your while to accept any training offered at work.Your employer may even cover the costs.

2. Register for online courses. If training opportunities are limited at your office, you can still find plenty of choices online. Check out free and low-cost sites like Udemy and Coursera.

3. Shadow other employees. Reach out to your colleagues. Pick someone whose work you find interesting and let them know that you’d like to find out more about what they do. Complete some research in advance so you’ll be prepared to pitch in, and remember to thank your host when you’re done.

4. Invite feedback. Pay attention to what your boss and coworkers say about your performance. Talk about your goals and be direct about asking for input.

5. Write an article. Develop your expertise by writing about your field. You may want to contribute to your company’s blog or publish your own book. You’ll discover new facts and insights as you research your topic and organize your thoughts.

6. Train others. Teaching is one of the most effective forms of learning. Volunteer to mentor a summer intern. Ask your boss about scheduling a morning session to share your experiences at your last conference. You may start a trend.

Continuous Learning in Your Personal Life

Learning leads to greater fulfilment. Build your self-esteem and engage more fully with life. Devote your leisure time to meaningful activities and develop your capacity to become a better friend to yourself and others.

1. Expand your vocabulary. Developing your vocabulary increases your comprehension and helps you to communicate more effectively. Challenge yourself to become familiar with one new word each day.

2. Learn a foreign language. Becoming fluent in French or Japanese will help you do more than order dinner. Being multilingual boosts memory and academic performance, and may even help prevent dementia.

3. Ask questions. You probably asked hundreds of questions a day when you were a kid, but you may need to brush up now that you’re older. Work on asking open-ended questions that elicit more information, and listen attentively to the answers.

4. Experiment more. Daily tasks and errands can be teachable moments. Modify a recipe for spinach lasagna or whip up your own shampoo with baking soda and water.

5. Take up a hobby. Creative pastimes enhance your cognitive skills and reduce stress. Learn to play the piano or start a weekly bridge game.

6. Practice consistently. Regular and skillful practice optimizes your learning. Focus on deliberate practice where you define a challenge and try out solutions. Evaluate your progress and be patient about repeating steps in areas where you want to grow.

Set aside at least one hour a day to continue your education. Classroom learning is wonderful, but there are plenty of ways to have fun schooling yourself and developing your potential.

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There are many components of a good memory. The health of your brain is among the most important. It’s natural for memory to decline with age, but there are many ways to slow that decline. A poor memory can be frustrating for everyone involved. There are simple steps you can take to enhance your memory at any age.

Boost your memory with these simple steps:

1. Change your diet. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and an anti-inflammatory diet can enhance memory. Your diet affects all aspects of your body. Alter your diet and you alter your ability to store and retrieve memories. There are several versions of anti-inflammatory diets. Experiment and see which works best for you.

2. Manage stress. Stress is hard on your body, brain, and memory. Stress has been linked to decreases in memory. Set reasonable expectations for your life. Learn how to relax and avoid stress. Ensure that you’re getting enough leisure time.

3. Get enough sleep. Scientists are still confused about what happens while we sleep, but it has been established that our brains don’t work as well when we’ve been deprived of sleep. One late night on the town will prove this fact to anyone. Get enough sleep and your memory will be enhanced.

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Try taking a nap for a middle of the day pick-me-up.

4. Use repetition. It’s much more effective to expose yourself to something repeatedly than to attempt to learn it in one sitting. If you’re trying to learn French vocabulary words, six 5-minute sessions will be more beneficial than one 30-minute session. The popular flash card program, Anki, uses spaced repetition to aid memory.

5. Keep your mind active. Do something each day that requires a lot of brain activity. Reading, crossword puzzles, chess, and various brain teasers are effective at keeping your mind active and sharp. Avoid relying on just a single activity. Mix it up and hit your brain from every angle.

6. Be creative. Creativity uses different parts of the brain than the more analytical functions we typically perform. Paint, draw, learn an instrument, or write. Anything requiring creativity can be useful.

7. Exercise. Moving blood through your body and brain can boost memory. Obesity can lead to blood sugar and circulatory issues. Both can impair memory. You don’t have to pretend you’re training for the Olympics, but get your heart pumping for a few minutes each day.

8. Write it down. It’s easier to remember something if you write it down, instead of just hearing or reading it.

9. Say it aloud. Use all of your senses. Say it so that you can hear it. If you write it, read it aloud, and imagine it, it will be much easier to remember. Expose yourself to the information you wish to remember in a variety of ways.

10. Maintain healthy relationships. Some memory experts believe that relationships are the key to keeping your brain healthy and active. It has been discovered that those with the busiest social lives have the slowest declines in memory.

• Spend more time with family and friends.
• Make some new friends or join a club.
• Volunteer.

Even if you believe you’ve been plagued with a poor memory, it can be enhanced. Minimizing stress, challenging your brain on a regular basis, and getting sufficient sleep are a few of the steps that can be taken to improve memory function. It’s never too late to pay attention to your memory.

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