Within the human brain there are different types of memories that are stored in different parts of the brain. The brain must be able to recall information at the drop of a hat like what to do when you come to a red stop light at an intersection. But our minds do not always allow us to retrieve the memories when we need them. At times, memory lapses are trivial like when you misplace the grocery list and find it later hanging on the refrigerator the whole time. There are times when our memory lapses can get us into trouble like forgetting our wedding anniversary. Even though your memory is not what it used to be, you do not have to be stuck with a poor memory for the rest of your life. Improving your memory is not impossible. There are some easy techniques that you can do to enhance your recollection of information. It does not matter if you are a District Attorney arguing a complex case or someone who is worried about passing the LCATs, there are a few things that everyone can do to improve their memory.

Tying a string around your finger to remember something is an old adage. Have you ever heard of it? The reasoning for it makes sense although it sounds a little funny. By putting something in your environment slightly askew, you can create a visual reminder for yourself. Creating a strong visualization for why there is a string around your finger in the first place is very important. Using a string is not the end all be all. Other items can be implemented. You can use anything that will help you to remember what it is that you are trying to remember. You might want to switch a ring, bracelet or watch from one hand to the other. An object in your environment can also be used. For instance, if you are driving to work and need to remember that on the way home from work you have to pick up your dry cleaning, try placing something on your dashboard blocking your view of the road after you park the car. When you get back into the car and your view is blocked, you will remember to pick up the dry cleaning.

Another way to improve your memory is to use visualization and association when trying to remember something. This system requires you to turn words into images so that you remember the words better. For example, let's say that you have an important doctor's appointment at three in the afternoon and really need to keep this appointment and you can't afford to miss it. Try visualizing an image for three, make it funny and amusing. I came up with the story of the "Three Little Pigs." I visualized the three little pigs waiting around in the doctor's office oinking in French and eating croissants. If the image that you visualized is really funny, you will remember it better. So when you think of your doctor's appointment, you will immediately remember that it is at three o'clock because of those funny pigs you are thinking of now.

These are just some of the ways that you can improve your memory. You have heard that old saying before,"Practice makes perfect?" Well it is true. Use these easy and simple methods everyday and remembering things that you once had a hard time with won't be so difficult.