Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Improving Your Memory

As the semester begins, you may wish you could remember everything your professors say the first time they say them.  With so many classes and so much information it's hard to remember everything you need to do, where you're supposed to be and whether or not the Sartorius muscle abducts or adducts.  Thankfully, memory isn't genetic so it's not hopeless if you feel your memory isn't quite as good at that student next to you who just aced the hardest test you've ever taken.  Maybe they're lucky, or maybe they just know the memory tricks you don't.  Here are a few tips and tricks to improve your memory this semester.

1. Get More Sleep

You need at least eight hours of sleep a night.  It's during this time that the brain will move information from your short-term to your long-term memory.  So all those hours of memorizing the names of bones and muscles will stick better for your lab exam!  Before bed, stay away from the TV and other screens which will keep your brain more active.  Try a relaxing bath or reading a book before hitting the sack.


2. Stay Active


When you exercise, you exercise your brain, not only your body.  Take breaks while studying, get up off your chair and take a walk.  This will get your blood flowing again and give you a chance to regroup and refocus.  Take ten minutes, or just take a quick walk around the library.


3. Pay Attention


Seems simple, yet we all struggle with daydreaming during a boring lecture or during that story your friend is telling you that has already gone on five minutes too long.  In order to effectively have something cement into your memory, you need to spend time paying attention to it.  Minimize distractions like your cell phone and the TV when trying to focus on something at home.  Stop multitasking.  When you set down your glasses, say aloud "I am putting my glasses on the kitchen table" instead of absentmindedly putting them down while texting your BFF about your fabulous date to the school bowling tournament.



4. Say Names

When you meet someone, immediately repeat their name back to them.  "It's nice to meet you, ______".  This causes you to pay attention to what they said in the first place.  This works for more than just names of people.  Help yourself remember terms, definitions, equations or anything else by repeating it aloud.  It's hard to get distracted when you have to listen to what you are saying...even if it's a whisper or just making the motions with your mouth because you're on the second floor of the library.


5. Use Mnemonic Devices/ Trick Your Brain


This will give organization to a random group of words or concepts.  If you can't remember the five areas of wellness, try remembering SPIES (social, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual).  Use a rhyme to remember your co-worker's name (Jed with the giant forehead).  Chunking is another useful tactic when memorizing numbers.  Take a long number like 2115798463 and break it down to a phone number.  Now it's 211-579-8463.



6. Stay Mentally Active/ Brain Games


Put your brain to work by playing Sudoku, doing a crossword puzzle, reading a section of the newspaper you don't normally read, or driving to work using an alternative route.  Some great websites with brain games include:

        http://www.lumosity.com
        http://www.websudoku.com/
        http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords



Sources:
Dunn, J. (2013, September 14). 7 tricks to improve your memory. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/09/14/7-tricks-to-improve-your-memory/
Edmonds, M. (2013, June). Top 10 ways to improve your memory. Retrieved from http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-ways-to-improve-memory.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2011, April 30). Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/memory-loss/HA00001/NSECTIONGROUP=2 
Pictures from: 
http://thestreetwhereyoulive.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/people-are-talking/
http://rapgenius.com/1739205/Xv-squares/Now-im-all-up-in-your-brain
http://cannonmoorcroft.com/2013/03/11/can-brain-training-games-can-help-your-business/


Campus Health Resources

Welcome back to BYU-Idaho!  Whether you’re a new freshman or a returning senior, make sure you are familiar with all the resources campus offers to keep you healthy!

The Student Health Center
The Student Health Center has a plethora of resources available for BYUI students!  You can schedule appointments such as a pre-marital exam, a mission physical, immunizations, or a check-up if you’re sick.  There is also a pharmacy located in the office to fill prescriptions and a walk-in clinic that doesn't require an appointment.  The Health Center is staffed by licensed professionals as well as trained students.  They are available to help and serve you so don’t be afraid to stop in!
Hours: Monday- Friday, 8:00- 5:00; Closed for Devotional on Tuesday
To schedule an appointment, refill a prescription, or ask insurance questions call 208-496-9330.

 The Counseling Center
The Counseling Center is located above the Student Health Center.  They are staffed by licensed professionals and services include marriage and pre-marriage counseling, counseling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, and more.  You can get individual counseling or attend group therapy.  For more information, visit their website at www.byui.edu/counseling-center or call them at 208-496-9370.
The Wellness Center
The Wellness Center is located in Hart 152 (up the ramp from the fitness center). 
Services include:
-          FREE body fat percentage test
-          FREE physical assessments which include: blood pressure, body fat percentage, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and more!
-          FREE nutrition counseling (one time only OR weekly)
-          Blood analysis which tells you your blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels
-          Bioimpedence test (more accurate body fat percentage test than the free one)
To schedule an appointment, call 208-496-7491 or email wellness@byui.edu

(istockphoto)

The Fitness Center
The fitness center is located in the Hart building.  The current facility opened Winter 2012 with almost all new equipment.  They are open Monday- Saturday, 5:00 am- 11:30 pm.
Services include:
-          FREE access to exercise equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, stairsteppers, bicycles, rowing machines, weight machines, free weights, strength bands, exercise balls, stretching mats, a TRX station and more!
-          FREE weekly exercise classes including Cycling, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Abs that Rock, Latin Jam, Water Aerobics and more!
-          FREE fitness consultants that can help you learn how to use the machines properly, set up a workout routine for yourself to lose weight, gain weight or gain muscle, or can help with any other fitness goals you may have!  You can meet with them once, or on a weekly basis.
You must be wearing the BYU-Idaho Hart approved clothing in order to use any equipment or participate in classes.  You can purchase your own pair from the bookstore or rent clothes from the locker room for a semester fee.
The Activities Office
Campus Activities is located in Manwaring Center 101 (across from the bookstore).  They are responsible for all of the fitness, sports, and wellness activities that take place each semester (along with many other things).  You can get involved by playing a competitive or recreation sport, volunteering to help organize an event, or just showing up to events and having fun! 
A few events happening this semester:
-          Wellness Glo-Run 5k (October 11th)
-          Wellness X-fit Games (October 12th)
-          Tri-a-Tri (October 26, November 16)
-          Turkey Trot (November 23rd)


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