Build break times into your exam preparation time. Your brain needs adequate time to process and file information. Cramming prevents your brain from doing that and moving information into your long-term memory. But, you have to take some precautions. Although breaks assist in absorbing new information, you need time to learn things, too. It is therefore important that you allow a decent amount of time before a test to study, rather than trying to cram it all in just before.
Study the information you are trying to learn in many different locations. This prevents you from associating the information with one particular setting, which helps to instill it more deeply within you. Simply put, learning things in different locations makes it much easier for your brain to convert information into long-term memories.
Think about making a memory tree. Concentrate initially on the primary gist of a large subject before fretting over details. Other important details are like the branches of the tree. After branching out, add the details; we call these the ‘leaves’. Visualizing information in this way can help your mind stay organized, and make it easier to recall details.
Say things out loud. When you come across something to remember, like a name, say it out loud. If you hear what you are trying to remember, you will have a better chance of remembering it later on. Repeat it multiple times until it is ingrained in your head.
It is much easier to forget things when you are stressed out. Whenever you are trying to grasp new facts or working to recall something important, try to remain calm. Stay relaxed and don’t get too angry with yourself. A relaxed mind is better able to recall things.
Memory loss doesn’t automatically come with age. The ideas from this article should serve as a starting point. Try a few; you may find that one or more of them will work out well.