All About Memories: How To Keep The Good Ones
Our brain is the most fascinating organ of our body. When it comes to memories, our brain is constantly tweaking them to our benefit. But that doesn’t mean our memories are perfect. When it comes to good memories, especially of shared moments with someone, we can forget them. Or worse, they can change over time.
Usually, if an experience isn’t pleasant, our brain works to block the memory of it. This process takes a few days while your brain assesses the responses and reactions the memory has on your body. If that memory continues to produce harmful signals, such as stress or anxiety, your brain will remove access to that particular memory. But that’s not always the case. Some memories are harmful yet never go away. For example, if you embarrassed yourself in a public place, it won’t be a memory you enjoy, but it’s likely to stay with you for a long time.
Over time, all memories will become hazy. If our brain can only retain so much data, how can we focus on which memories we want to keep?
How To Retain Your Good Memories
Command over the mind
When you want to do or achieve something, your brain is your biggest friend. It’s called mind over matter. By making a conscious effort to focus on your good memories, eventually, you’ll train your brain to retain good memories and discard the negative ones. Repeat what you want to retain is the only motto when it comes to the brain.
Positive thinking
Focused positive thinking is the conscious effort to dismiss or stop thinking about negative memories. Whenever they pop into your brain, simply shoo it away! By doing so you are training your brain into only bringing forth the memories that are most important to you. Over time your subconscious will naturally hone in on only the pleasant ones.
Declutter your brain
Many of us use our brains to think about trivial things. What we did two years ago at a certain place, or where we put our keys when we don’t actually need to leave. An easy trick to help stop thinking about menial things is to make a list and have it accessible at all times.
For things like errands or daily chores, use a planner where you write them all down so you don’t have to remember these small things. Designate a spot where you store all your necessities so you don’t waste precious neurons thinking about where they are. This frees your brain to focus on what you want to focus on, which will enable you to retain new information faster, as well as maintain your good memories.
Memory Palace
The Memory Palace is an ingenious technique for retaining memories for a longer time. The base point is to assign a memory with a familiar place. For example, if your wedding is one of your fondest memories then associate it with your favorite room in the house. Every time you visit or see this room your brain will make the automatic connection to that memory. This technique also helps with faster recall of your favorite memories, reinforcing their importance to your brain.
Memories are the recollection of past information and instances. By retaining good memories, we can continue to learn and develop throughout our lives. By applying these tricks and methods, you’ll be able to remove memories that are cluttering your brain and keep the good ones fresh.
