According to the National Center for Biological Information, working memory provides temporary storage of information and the ability to manipulate this information for cognitive tasks. In layman’s terms – working memory is the ability not only to recall things but use that information to complete tasks. As you can imagine, working memory is necessary for multiple areas of your life such as remembering instructions, maintaining focus and learning new skills. A poor working memory can make life difficult but luckily there are multiple ways to improve it:

Mind Chi

Mind Chi can be a great way to improve your memory! Pay special attention to Mind Chi steps 2, 3 and 4 which attend to memory and focus. Step 2 looks at focusing and eliminating all distractions. Steps 3 and 4 are concerned with recalling and reviewing the last 24 hours – a technique used by memory champion Scott Hagwood, among other elite individuals. These exercises are particularly helpful in today’s day and age where our ageing population begin to struggle with certain necessary cognitive tasks as they get older. 

DnB training

Dual n Back training is a programme of brain exercises designed to improve fluid intelligence. It rose to prominence after being the first programme proven to improve IQ in adults, but it has also been shown to improve working memory. There are many great ways you can use DnB exercises to improve working memory including free software packages such as Brain Workshop and streamlined DnB training which you can incorporate into exercises you can do on your computer every day. This kind of program is best utilized by applying yourself for around 30 minutes a day. With consistent effort you should start to enjoy improvements within two weeks. 

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, a similar philosophy to Mind Chi step two. A 2013 study from Psychological Science proved that a two week mindfulness course improved working memory. The participants in the study also showed improved scores on the Graduate Record Examinations, the standard test for graduate school in the United States. It’s clear that mindfulness, focus, awareness and memory are all interconnected – a holistic philosophy fully embraced by Mind Chi. 

It is clear that the myth that working memory is inherited and that you are stuck with what you are born with has been refuted. There are a variety of methods out there to improve your working memory and reap the benefits. Good luck in your efforts. 

Thanks to a guest writer, Jackie Edwards, for this article to improve your faith in your marvelous memory!