In: Psychology
What does train your brain mean as far as memory and study skills?
Brain training refers to cognitive training that uses intense mental exercises to target and work on the brain's core cognitive skills. Strong cognitive skills are critical because they are the skills the brain uses to read, learn, remember, reason, and pay attention. They are also the skills that determine IQ.
The neocortex, our thinking brain, helps us plan and deal with the complex activities and relationships in our lives. The neocortex is the part of the brain that likes getting involved in communication and problem-solving activities.
To learn a new name, for example, use "mnemonic devices" that link the new information with familiar information. If you meet someone named "Mr. Brown," picture him drenched in that color as you're introduced.
Another training technique is one called "vanishing cues." If you can't remember a name, write down any letters of it that you can remember. Then fill in more and more until your recall kicks in. This training works by bypassing the faulty areas of the brain. Instead, you're training new areas of the brain to take over. Memory problems can affect mood. Exercise and mentally stimulating activities can help.