Tips for helping your memory
The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and the University of Illinois Extension hosted a brain health and memory workshop titled "Hold that Thought" July 15.
Developed through a research-based program at the University of Illinois Extension, about 60 workshop attendees learned common causes of memory loss, tips to improve brain health and strategies to decrease forgetfulness, some of which include:
• Be present in the moment. Individuals should focus on one task at a time, pay attention to details and avoid interruptions to complete tasks faster.
• Get organized. As soon as people remember an urgent task, they should complete it right away or record the task in a daily planner to complete later. They should also consider keeping a pen and paper handy throughout the day to keep track of activities.
• Use visual cues. Individuals who struggle with language may benefit from visual cues. In addition, pictures can help them learn steps to complete and then practice a task.
• Verbalize thoughts and tasks. Individuals remember more information if they repeat thoughts and tasks aloud. This repetition strengthens memory retention.
• Make a purposeful change. Change exercises the brain when an individual enters unfamiliar territory. This change can be as simple as traveling down a new path, or even bigger, such as volunteering with a new nonprofit.
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