Visualization and sleep a key to good memory
Forgot to stop and pick up food for dinner? Didn’t repay someone who lent you money despite the fact that you have it? Your short term memory is failing you. What can you do?
Researchers at Washington University have some novel memory advice. Researcher Mark McDaniel argues that based on previous research, rehearsing (eg: “pay John back”) is not effective. He suggests that before going to sleep, attached a specific environment cue to the task (eg: visualize pulling out $20 in the coffee shop and paying John). McDaniel argues that sleep strengthens the brain’s weak associations. You can follow these steps to make it effective:
- pick a task that may slip your mind tomorrow—eg; asking your boss for vacation time;
- vividly visualize a scenario in which you are performing the tasks. Focus less on the transaction and more on the surroundings (details of the room, dress etc.) These cues are indirectly linked to the tasks and will help you remember
- If your task could be done in multiple contexts repeat with a new scenario for each.
