Is your memory giving you a problem? All of us struggle from time to time with our memory, especially short-term memory. Did you know that you can improve your memory by just "taking care of business" and adopting a few new behaviors? These techni-ques can help you to remember and retain the information over time!

Focus
     It's important that during a conversation you focus your attention and reinforce what is said. Look directly at the person who is talking to you. Listen closely and if you miss something said—ask it to be repeated slowly.

     Next, paraphrase that information. For example, if someone says, "We can either have lunch at the Deli at noon or eat at the Sub Shop about 12:30," respond by saying, "Which would you like, the Deli at 12:00 or Sub Shop at 12:30?"

     Do you become distracted during a conversation or have trouble dealing with noise interference? If you can’t find a quiet, less busy place to talk, have your companions sit with their backs to the wall and you facing them. This reduces noise and you'll be able to focus on them without having your attention split.

     Focus on just one task at a time. Try to avoid interruptions. If you're in the middle of reading or working, ask if the person can wait until you're finished. Don't answer the phone until you've finished your task.

     Repetition can increase memory. Repeat new facts to yourself out loud or repeat the information to someone else. For example, if someone is giving you directions, repeat them to that person to make sure you understand.

Make a note
     Don’t assume that an event or thought is important enough to you that you'll remember it later. That is not realistic! When something important comes to mind or when someone says something you want to remember, write it down! The act of writing things down actually helps reinforce them in your mind so much so that you may not even need to refer to your notes to help jog your memory.

     "Spaced rehearsal" is more effective than "cramming." If you write down the main points and review them once or twice daily for several days, this reinforces your memory. For example, if you read a complicated book with a variety of characters, make a list of their names and who they are in relationship to other characters. As you read the book, this information can help you follow the plot and sort out the characters.