In our fast paced world, we are constantly learning new information and we need a better memory to recall it all. Students need a better memory for studying and passing exams. Most people need a better memory to be successful in their careers, and we all could use better memories to remember important dates and ideas. However, most people have trouble remembering new ideas and facts. Memory problems typically arise as we age, but there are numerous factors that impair our memories, such as fatigue, stress, depression, and concentration problems. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to augment your memory using easy mnemonic devices and self-hypnosis and memory enhancement.

Mnemonic devices are useful memory retention techniques. They can be in the forms of words, pictures, or other associations that help you link information and concepts together. Acronyms are a common mnemonic device formed using the initial letters of words or word parts in a new word or phrase. Let's say you need to remember a shopping list of cheese, eggs, salsa, ham, and soap. You might use the acronym "CHESS" for cheese, ham, eggs, soap, and salsa. The acronym and the effort you put into creating it help you remember the list.

Acrostic sentences are much like acronyms. You can use acrostic sentences to remember ordered lists or sequences of events. In an acrostic, you use the beginning letters, syllables, or words of a sentence to remember another message. One acrostic taught to students is "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" to help them remember the order of operations in mathematics (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction).

Another famous mnemonic device is known as the "Method of Loci." The Method of Loci was used in ancient times to memorize speeches. In this method, you link information to visual cues along a path. First, you think of a physical pathway you know well, such as the commute to work or a walk through your house. Envision yourself traveling down this pathway, and identify distinct landmarks that you pass by. Each landmark will correspond to something you want to remember. Once you have established your path and landmarks, you mentally associate a piece of information with each landmark. Another memorization technique is the "chunking" method of memorization. This method is valuable in memorizing a series of numbers, such as dates and social security numbers. For example, you probably remember your social security number as a set of three, two and four digit numbers, or three sets of three digits. Using the chunking trick, you break up a large amount of information into "chunks" that are easier to handle and remember. You can also organize information into categories to help you remember more complicated things.

Now that you know these methods, you can use them when you are attempting to remember information. To successfully form a memory, concentrate on what you need to remember, taking 5 - 8 seconds to process the information. Eliminate distractions from your surroundings that divert your attention from what you need to commit to memory. Write down the information, read it aloud to yourself, and try to use all of your senses when you are learning new information. If you can experience or associate the information with all of your senses, you will remember it better.

Stress may interfere with your ability to focus and memorize information, so you must relax! To cope with stress, you may be interested in using self-hypnosis to improve concentration, memory and recall abilities. Although memorization tricks are beneficial, stress and lack of concentration are the primary reasons why people are afflicted with memory problems and can restrain your success using the techniques. If tension and concentration problems are causing your memory troubles, you can use self-hypnosis to improve memory and recall abilities significantly. Your memory will be greatly improved by combining memorization methods with self-hypnosis and memory improvement techniques. Self-hypnosis memory improvement techniques will help you de-stress and focus on information. Self-hypnosis and memory techniques help enhance your memory by increasing your alertness, so you won't forget details such as where you left your keys or wallet. Self-hypnosis and memory enhancement will also help you cope with anxieties that interfere with your ability to remember things, such as nervousness before a presentation at work or a test. Many students suffer from test anxiety, but this can be overcome by hypnosis therapy. Similarly, many people "freeze" and forget what they need to say during public speeches, a problem that can also be overcome by self-hypnosis memory improvement techniques.

Hypnotherapy is the best way for people to memorize information because it calms the mind and increases the ability to concentrate. You can make self-hypnosis and your memory work together to eliminate your memory problems. One day, self-hypnosis and memory may become inseparable as people learn how hypnotherapy can make their lives better.

Alan B. Densky, CH has specialized in the practice of hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming since 1978. He offers NLP CD's for concentration, memory and recall. Visit his Neuro-VISION Self-Hypnosis site for free resources & MP3 downloads, and his Video Blog for tips & tricks.