Memory Improvement Exercises to Strengthen Encoding Process

The ways in which memory can be improved generally emphasize on recall and recognition of the material, but if the encoding and storing processes are targeted as well, then recall & recognition of the target material becomes easy. The following exercises target the enhancement of the encoding process of memory:

Paying Attention: The smallest unit of memory begins by paying attention to any stimulus or information. Paying attention or focusing on target ensures better encoding of the stimuli. There are several ways in which the attention quality and span can be amplified. Some are:

i. Focusing only on visual cues:

• Observe or perceive drawing/painting/hoarding/Nature/walls/objects with different color, shape & sizes within a limited, pre-determined time (use a stopwatch/timer). Record the identified details in a journal. Verify the recorded information by re-observing the target material and evaluate yourself.
• Matching sequences –color, shape and size.
• Spot the difference – searching for visual similarities and differences between two pictures.
• Sorting –color, shape, size and texture.

ii. Focusing only on auditory cues:

• Listen to instructions and follow them in steps. E.g. listen and draw.
• Listen to the voices outside the room & identify them.
• Grouping sounds – animals, musical instruments, vehicles, etc.
• Odd one out – identify the sound that is not part of a group of sounds, e.g. dogs barking, pig grunting, cow mooing, musical instrument playing.

iii. Focusing only on olfactory (related to taste/smell) cues:

• Distinguishing different tastes while eating food.
• Identifying and recording the used ingredients in the food by tasting it in a limited time.
• Identifying the ingredients’ used in food by smelling them. Relishing food just by smell for the first few minutes before ingestion.