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100 Amazing Memory Hacks to Maximize Your Brain

March 4th, 2010

Students, business professionals, and average Janes and Joes–just about everyone would love to have a fool-proof memory, and with these amazing memory hacks, you can. These suggestions, tools, and tricks are sure to have you using your brain to the best of its abilities, whether you need to remember a semester’s worth of Biology 101, keep finding yourself in the awkward spot of not remembering names, or anywhere in between.

Remembering Names

Never forget another name when you use these awesome memory hacks.

1. Draw a map. The next time you are in a meeting and need to remember lots of names, draw a name map.
2. Repeat it. As soon as someone has introduced themselves or has been introduced, repeat their name as soon as possible.
3. Repeat it often. Not only should you repeat the name as soon as you’ve heard it, but you should also repeat it as often as possible.
4. Make an association. Make an association between the name you just heard and something that is significant for you, such as Jane reminds you of your Aunt Jane, or Phil is the same as the famous groundhog.
5. On their forehead. Try picturing the person’s name written on their forehead.
6. Write it down. As soon as possible after meeting someone new, write their name down.
7. Write it three times. Try writing the person’s name three times while picturing their face to help you remember the name.
8. Ask how to spell it. This only works if the name isn’t a common one, but even common names have unusual spellings.
9. Listen. Often when meeting new people, the brain is taking in so much new information that you may not be paying attention to the person’s name when you are introduced.
10. Verify. If you missed the name or want to verify you heard it correctly, verify the person’s name. This act will also help keep it in your memory.

Remembering Lists

Keeping all the items from a list in your head no longer has to be a challenge when you use these great tips and techniques.

11. Write things down. The act of actually writing something down often serves to solidify what you are trying to remember in your brain.
12. Use the Memory Palace. The Memory Palace is a great visualization technique that can help you remember a list of things.
13. Create an unusual image. Using each of the items from your list, associate them in a visual image to help remember them all.
14. Use a notebook. Carry a notebook with you and keep a running list of whatever you want to remember.
15. Hipster PDA. Merlin Mann developed this popular method of taking notes and keeping them organized that require just note cards and binder clips.
16. Mnemonic Major System. If your list involves lots of numbers, try this system that applies consonant sounds to numbers and has been around for hundreds of years.
17. Top Ten List. This idea is to create an association of ten items on your body, then have the items from your list interacting with each of those ten body parts.
18. Memory Trick. Similarly to the Top Ten List, the Memory Trick is a visualization technique that will have you remembering 25 items in any order without forgetting any of them.
19. Peg Method. The Peg Method assigns words rhyming with numbers to help you remember items on a list.
20. Number/Shape system. Similar to the Peg Method, this system has you attach meaning to the items from your list as they interact with the shapes of the numbers.
21. The Link Method. This method requires linking each of the words from your list in some fashion.
22. The Alphabet System. Similar to these other visualization systems, this one makes associations with each of the letters of the alphabet, allowing you to remember 26 items.

Learning New Things

When learning new things, try these hacks to keep all that new information in your head.

23. Switch to a different task. When learning something new, switch to a slightly different task to help cement what you are trying to learn.
24. Mnemonics. Mnemonics are clever ways of remembering anything new from vocabulary to medical terms to people’s names.
25. Flashcards. Create flashcards with the information you are trying to learn and drill yourself to help make it stick in your mind.
26. SuperMemo. Relying on a scientific formula for the best time to practice something new, this tool sends you notification when it’s right for you. While the technology behind this tool may seem a bit rudimentary on first inspection, it is really worth a try.
27. Rhyming slang. Use a custom from the London Cockneys that involves rhyming slang for memorizing dates.
28. Don’t cram. A cram session may allow you to pass a test, but it won’t actually help you learn and retain much. Instead of trying to learn an entire semester’s worth of information in one night, spend time in shorter sessions over a longer period.
29. Practice. Whether you are learning to speak a new language or play soccer, practicing the skill you are trying to learn with others helps make it stick.
30. Look it up. Rather than spending time trying to force yourself to remember something, you will retain what you are trying to remember better if you just go look it up.
31. Single-task. While you may feel like you are accomplishing a lot while multi-tasking, you actually are better off doing one thing at a time, especially when trying to learn something new.
32. Learn it once. Follow these steps to learn how to improve your study skills so that you remember things after learning them the first time.
33. Test yourself. The act of taking a test has been shown to solidify the knowledge better than in those who were not tested on the same information.

Remembering What You Read

These hacks will help you remember what you are reading, whether for school, work, or pleasure.

34. Make notes. Keep a pen or pencil handy while reading so you can jot down notes in your book or on scratch paper.
35. Maintain focus. Stop and regain your focus if you feel your mind wandering while reading.
36. Read out loud. See if reading aloud helps you remember what you are reading. It helps some people.
37. Sticky notes. When you come across important information in your reading, attach a sticky note on the page so you can easily go back to it.
38. Visualization. create visual pictures of the information you are reading to create strong connections in your memory.
39. Be alert. Stay alert for important information you anticipate running across while reading.
40. Read as if you will be teaching. Read your material as if you must teach someone else what you read. This will help you remember it better.
41. Go back to your notes. Don’t just write them down and forget about them, instead, be sure you go back over the notes you have taken during your reading.
42. Discuss it. Talking about what you read helps create stronger associations, thereby helping you remember the information better.
43. Read before bed. Researchers have determined that going to sleep just after reading important information is an ideal way for your brain to process and retain that information.
44. Classical music. Try playing soft classical music in the background. This can help the brain maintain better focus while reading.
45. Take a break. Take a break every 15 or 30 minutes to give yourself a rest and you will find you have better focus and better retention of the material.
46. No TV. Turn off the TV while you are reading so you don’t have any distractions.

General Memory Tips

Use these hacks to give your memory a boost no matter what you are trying to remember.

47. Nap. A nap in the afternoon may actually help improve your memory.
48. Put things in the same place. Whether it’s your car keys or your wallet, if there is something you seem to frequently misplace, always put it in the same place.
49. Email yourself. Send yourself an email with whatever it is you want to remember.
50. Use a password rule. Use this system for creating a password rule that will help you remember a multitude of passwords with ease.
51. Dual n-back exercises. These mental exercises created by psychologist Susanne Jaeggi are specifically designed to help improve your working memory and intelligence.
52. Daydream. Researchers have shown that daydreaming stimulates several areas of the brain, especially helping when doing routine tasks.
53. Give your brain a workout. Using your brain keeps it from atrophying and will help keep your memory sharp.

Foods to Hack Your Memory

These foods and drinks will help keep your brain in top shape.

54. Ginkgo biloba. Taking ginkgo biloba supplements or drinking the tea helps promote memory and mental alertness.
55. Blueberries. In a study, those who ate blueberries had less brain cell loss than those who did not eat blueberries.
56. Fish oil. Taking good-quality fish oil supplements is a great way to keep your brain in top shape.
57. Apples. Long associated with a healthy body, eating apples provides benefits for your brain too.
58. Curry. Curry, and especially the turmeric in curry dishes, has been shown to benefit the brain.
59. Salmon. Salmon is high in omega-3 EFAs and low in mercury, so it benefits your brain without the added heavy metal other fish contains.
60. Avocado. Avocados have the good kind of fat, which increases blood flow to your brain.
61. Matcha. This stone-ground, powdered form of green tea is full of antioxidants that will benefit your memory.
62. Cinnamon and peppermint. Cinnamon and peppermint stimulate the brain and help keep your memory sharp.
63. Antioxidants. Eating foods that are antioxidants can help improve focus and memory.
64. Smoothies. Try this brain-boosting smoothie made with fresh fruits and yogurt or a bit of protein powder to help keep your brain and memory in shape.
65. Fruits and veggies. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to keep your brain and body healthy.
66. Olive oil. This healthy oil has been shown to break up clots in capillaries and help with blood flow, which can improve brain function.
67. Cocoa. Foods containing cocoa can provide benefits for memory and learning.
68. Whole grains. Eating whole grains can significantly reduce your chance for a stroke and keeps your brain in top shape.

Brain Games

Playing brain games will keep your brain in top form–an essential part of having a good memory.

69. BrainTraining 101. Try your hand at these logic, memory, and puzzle games.
70. Brain Teasers. These brain exercises have a section just for memory and attention.
71. Fit Brains. These games are developed by scientists specifically for brain fitness.
72. BrainCurls. Give your brain a workout with these games.
73. Games for the Brain. Find lots of popular brain games like Mastermind, chess, and Sudoku here.
74. Puzzability Sampler. Get both interactive and non-interactive versions of popular word games at this site.
75. Thinks.com Jigsaw Puzzles. These online jigsaw puzzles are a great workout for your brain.
76. Brain Age. One study shows that playing Nintendo’s Brain Age is an excellent way to sharpen the brain.
77. Brain Bashers. These video games are great for improving your brainpower–and you will find five new games added each week.
78. Braingle. Braingle provides brain teasers, riddles, trivia, and brain exercises to help you keep your brain in top shape.
79. Sharp Brains Brain Teasers. Play these 50 games that are designed specifically to sharpen your mind.
80. HAPPYneuron. The games and activities are a great way to keep your brain fit.

Physical Ways You Can Hack Your Memory

From getting enough sleep to relaxation exercises to sex, try these physical ways to improve your memory.

81. Get enough sleep. Researchers have shown there is a strong connection between sleep and memory, so make sure you are getting enough sleep.
82. Yoga breathing. The breathing technique used in yoga oxygenates the body and stimulates the brain.
83. Relaxation exercises. Stress can hinder memory. Relaxation exercises are a great way to reduce stress and boost your memory.
84. Meditation. Mediation is another great way to relax and is also helpful for improving focus and memory.
85. Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a graceful form of stretching that keeps both your body and brain physically fit.
86. Sex. Scientists say sex is beneficial in many ways, including providing cardiovascular benefits, stress relief, and promoting sleep–all of which contribute to better memory.
87. Yoga. The health benefits of yoga are well-known, but this form of exercise is also a great tool for improving memory.
88. Neurobics. Neurobics are mental exercises that involve doing usual things in an unusual way or doing activities that involve two different senses and are a great way to stimulate the brain.

Memory Aids

In case you’ve tried all of the above hacks and still need a little help in the memory department, try using these awesome tools that do the remembering for you.

89. Evernote. Evernote is a popular note-taking tool that helps you keep all sorts of notes well-organized.
90. Google Notebook. Google Notebook is a great place to keep notes and will ensure they all stay in one place.
91. UberNote. Use UberNote to email or IM notes and online bookmarks.
92. Jott. Leave yourself a note, add an appointment to your calendar, and even have your voice mail transcribed all with a phone call.
93. Remember the Milk. This dynamic to-do list keeps all your tasks organized, reminds you of important due dates, and even integrates into Google Calendar.
94. bitBomb. bitBomb sends you text message reminders of your tasks.
95. Google Calendar. Google fans love this calendar that helps you track events, set reminders, import appointments straight from Gmail, and is shareable with others.
96. Agrata. If you have a hard time remembering all those passwords for gaining entry to websites, use Agrata–an encrypted, secure tool–to keep track of them all.
97. TelePixie. TelePixie sends wake-up calls, reminders, and alerts to your mobile phone.
98. WiseMapping. WiseMapping is a mind mapping tool that provides you with an awesome way to keep notes in an organized fashion and can also be of use when completing complex tasks.
99. Stickies. Use this tool to jot down notes on virtual stickies that stay on your computer desktop.
100. Backpack. Manage to-do lists, announcements, calendars, files, and more with this powerhouse of a tool that is also great for collaborating with others.