The Magic Sauce to Memory
Hi there,
Happy Wednesday!
Ever wonder how actors memorize their lines flawlessly? Or remember that kid in class whose information just seemed to stick? (Spoiler: that wasn’t me.) I had to figure out different ways to learn and retain information, and no, it wasn’t green juice that did the trick.
Today, at a Glance:
Take this quiz to maximize your productivity and wellness:
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Quick Brain Teasers to Exercise Your Working Memory:
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?Let’s practice mental rotation now.
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The top shape is your?model. Among the 3 shapes below the model, only one matches the model. To figure out which one does, you will probably have to move the shapes around in your?mind.
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Move the shapes from left to right or right to left but DO NOT FLIP them around.
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(Find the answer at the end)
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A Memory Strategy for Everyone
Research shows that the most effective strategy for memory retention is deep understanding, which involves focusing on the underlying meaning of an item or event. For example, when picking up an apple, consider its color, size, name, nutritional value, and its use in a favorite recipe. This deep level of processing enhances everyday retention.
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Deep, elaborative processing enhances understanding by relating new information to what you already know, producing more meaningful associations than shallow processing. For example, recalling the name of a specific dwarf in "Snow White" is easier with a meaningful cue like "the dwarf synonymous with shyness" (Bashful) rather than a simple letter cue. This approach aids memorability by creating more semantic associations.
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Embrace Your Superpower: The Gift of Daydreaming
We spend 30-50% of our time in this “default mode,” lost in thought. Why would evolution design our brains to drift away from the present? It might seem like a flaw, but it’s one of our greatest strengths.
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This ability to time travel—reliving past memories and planning for the future—makes us uniquely human. It helps us make sense of our lives, shaping our values, goals, and ultimately, who we are.
The Power of Working Memory
Think about how we remember important details, like all sales must be finalized by June 29th (not the 30th) for Q2 bonuses. This ability to retain and retrieve information is our working memory at play.
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Fun fact: We best retain 3-5 units of information. That’s why phone numbers are written as (901) 867-5309 instead of a long string of digits.
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Our inner voice helps us remember things by repeating them in our heads. Kids often do this out loud, training their brains to retain information. This self-talk evolves into an internal process, essential for creativity, goal-setting, and effective communication.
When Our Inner Voice Goes Rogue
Most of the time, our inner voice checks in on our goals: How are we doing with raising our kids? Are we saving enough for that house? These mental simulations help us plan and problem-solve.
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However, when our inner voice starts to ruminate, it can spiral into negative “chatter.” This chatter consumes our focus and energy, leaving us stressed and unfocused.
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This is problematic because:
By recognizing and managing our inner voice, we can harness our superpower to time travel constructively, enhancing both our mental and physical well-being.
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Remember, embracing and understanding our mental tendencies can significantly improve our quality of life. So, next time you catch yourself daydreaming, see it as a superpower that, when managed well, can lead to a healthier, happier you.
How We Can Help
Meet Razan Hajjar, a life coach dedicated to unlocking your potential. As an HR professional and mother, she balances personal fulfillment, relationships, and professional goals with holistic well-being. Specializing in mindset improvement and self-care, Razan helps clients set meaningful goals and overcome challenges. Certified and passionate, she guides individuals toward a balanced, fulfilling life.
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Answer:
First set: Second shape.
Second set: Second shape.
Third set: First shape.
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This is for you and we want to support you as best as?we can.?If you have any questions or need help, reach us directly at [email protected] or Call/WhatsApp +971 50 858 1442.
Mindtales does not offer services for crises such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, harm to others, danger to anyone, medical emergencies, or urgent needs. In these situations, call emergency services (999 in the UAE) and local crisis services, and seek immediate in-person help. The platform and its counselors are not equipped to handle these emergencies.
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Shift Your Mindset, Change Your World
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