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Tom's Guide
06-08-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Forget forgetting — the ‘Roman Room' memory method could help you stay mentally sharp as you age
As we age, we experience certain physical and mental changes, which is why exercising is crucial for building or maintaining physical and psychological strength. In the same way that we must train our muscles to grow, we also need to train our brains to stay sharp and strong. Brain training simply refers to activities that can improve cognition and memory. You might be an avid crossword player or enjoy learning new skills, for example. The efficacy of brain training activities is still debated today with regard to whether or not the skills translate to everyday life. That said, they can be fun and engaging, and some are very practical. I'm neurodivergent, and recently discussed my (lack of) working memory with a client I train. He told me about a memory tool he picked up from Mind Tools, known as the "Roman Room System.' Curious, I did a bit of digging into the system itself and how it works. Here's what I learned, and how you might benefit from it, too. There's promising research to show brain training can help improve cognition, memory and attention. However, its effectiveness is still debated. A large-scale cross-sectional investigation published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience explained (as recently as 2019) that there's an 'ongoing debate concerning its scientific basis or evidence for efficacy,' stating that much of the research is based on small studies. Researchers analyzed cross-sectional data from two large internet-cohort studies and concluded that those who undertake 'commercially available brain training regimes for long timescales' do benefit, but although the benefits can transfer to other computerized tasks, it's limited. They cited motivation to engage in brain training as an important factor in cognitive ability. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Another study assessed 51 healthy subjects using cognitive training called Lumosity, testing attention, processing speed, visual memory and executive function. This lasted for 15 minutes per day, seven days a week, for three weeks. It's a limited study, but researchers did find improvements in attention and motor speed. Also referred to as the Method of Loci, Mind Tools states that the Roman Room technique is an effective way to remember information that doesn't follow a structure. Using the system, you'll imagine a room you know well, like your bedroom or office. Next, imagine the objects within the room and associate these with the information you want to remember. The system recommends forming images connected with the information and attaching them to the objects. Whenever you need to recall information, take a tour of the room in your head and visualize the objects to bring up the information. To take the system further, imagine a place with multiple rooms that you know well, like your home, then move from one room to another, associating each room and the objects within with information you need to recall. The technique encourages you to store categories of information in different rooms, just like you would furniture, creating a 'cognitive map' in your mind. The system recommends forming images connected with the information and attaching them to the objects. It's particularly useful for unordered information that doesn't follow a set process, but you could travel through the rooms in a set way if you want to recall information in order, such as a speech. The theory is that mentally stimulating activities improve neuroplasticity — your brain's ability to form new neural connections — and ward off conditions such as dementia. Again, though, the evidence is limited. Remember, physical exercise is proven by a wealth of research to improve cognitive function, even when performed at a moderate intensity. Alongside enjoyable brain training activities, consider taking walks or adding some form of movement or exercise to your daily routine to help you stay mentally sharp as you age. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
India Today
23-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
How Memory Champions Train Their Brain Like Athletes: 7 Daily Habits
How Memory Champions Train Their Brain Like Athletes: 7 Daily Habits By Roshni Chakrabarty Memory champions don't just rely on talent -- they train their minds with discipline, just like elite athletes. Their brain-boosting habits can help anyone sharpen memory, focus, and recall with ease. Memory athletes often turn boring facts into vivid mental images. By linking information into a story, the brain retains details faster and longer -- this technique is called the 'memory palace' method. 1. VISUALISE INFORMATION LIKE A STORY Spaced repetition, used by top performers in memory competitions, involves reviewing content at increasing intervals. Apps like Anki help you apply this technique efficiently with flashcards. 2. REPEAT TO REMEMBER Physical exercise boosts neurogenesis -- the creation of new brain cells. Memory experts often do cardio, yoga, or short walks daily to keep their brain sharp and stress low. 3. MOVE YOUR BODY DAILY Omega-3-rich foods, berries, and green leafy veggies are memory champions' favourites. They also drink plenty of water—dehydration, even mild, can affect concentration and recall. 4. FUEL YOUR BRAIN RIGHT Meditation isn't just for monks. Many memory pros use mindfulness to clear brain fog and improve concentration. Even 10 minutes daily can make a noticeable difference in recall speed. 5. MEDITATE FOR MENTAL CLARITY Memory athletes treat practice like sport. They play memory games, use apps like Lumosity, or practise number-sequence recall, treating each challenge as mental weightlifting. 6. TRAIN MEMORY LIKE A GAME Deep sleep helps consolidate memories. Champions stick to a sleep routine, aiming for 7–9 hours. Some even take short power naps to boost retention during intense training. 7. PRIORITISE REST AND SLEEP Here are 10 activities to boost your brain: Click Here
India Today
25-06-2025
- Sport
- India Today
8 brain-boosting indoor games for students entering Class 10 and 12
Students stepping into Classes 10th and 12th know that the coming academic year is no joke. The pressure of board exams, assignments, and endless revisions can be mentally exhausting. While disciplined study is essential, so is taking mindful breaks that recharge the brain without derailing your where brain-boosting indoor games come in. These aren't just time-passing activities; they're scientifically proven to enhance cognitive functions, improve concentration, and even reduce stress games don't have to be a distraction. When chosen wisely, they become tools for active relaxation and cognitive enhancement. As you prepare for one of the most important years of your academic life, allow yourself purposeful play. Your brain will thank you, and your marks might are some indoor games perfect for students entering Class 10th and 12th to stay mentally agile while having a little fun.1. Sudoku: Boost logical thinkingThis classic number puzzle is excellent for developing logical reasoning and problem-solving with easy grids and gradually move to more complex ones. It's a great way to keep the mind active in between study Enhances pattern recognition, memory, and decision-making.2. Chess: The ultimate brain gamePlaying chess improves strategic thinking, patience, and foresight—all skills that come in handy during exam a 30-minute game with a friend or sibling can be both relaxing and intellectually Sharpens focus, planning, and analytical thinking.3. Memory card gamesWhether it's a traditional card matching game or a memory app, these games train the brain to retain and recall information quickly, just like you'll need for exams!Benefit: Improves short-term memory and attention span.4. Scrabble or word-building gamesWord games not only strengthen your vocabulary but also improve concentration and cognitive you're studying languages or literature, this is the perfect fun-learning Enhances vocabulary, spelling, and verbal reasoning.5. Jigsaw puzzlesThey may look like simple pastimes, but puzzles engage both sides of the together 500 or 1000-piece puzzles enhances problem-solving skills and visual-spatial Encourages attention to detail and patience—essential for board prep!6. Math riddles and brain teasersApps like Elevate, Lumosity, or even puzzle books can offer a quick mental workout tailored to your academic games improve processing speed and numerical Builds core skills for subjects like Math and Science.7. 30-second thinking gamesPlay 'Name-Place-Animal-Thing' or '5 Things in 5 Seconds' to improve thinking under pressure—a handy skill for timed Trains quick recall and mental alertness under time constraints.8. Simon Says (Digital or Offline)It's fun, fast, and challenges your memory and focus. There are many online versions that mimic the classic light-and-sound memory Boosts auditory and visual memory, and quick TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFITSLimit game time to 20–30 minutes per breakRotate between different types of games to engage different brain areasUse them as a reward after completing a study goal- Ends
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Brain boosters: 5 powerful exercises to enhance memory and creativity in students
In today's fast-paced and information-heavy world, students often face challenges with memory retention and creative thinking. The ability to recall information and think in an innovative manner is essential not only for academic success but also for personal development and problem-solving. Fortunately, the brain—like a muscle—can be trained and strengthened through specific mental exercises. Here are five highly effective brain exercises that can significantly enhance memory and creativity in students. Mind Mapping Mind mapping is a visual brainstorming technique that involves organising information around a central idea, with related concepts branching out in all directions. This method leverages both the logical and creative sides of the brain. How it enhances memory and creativity: Mind maps engage visual memory, helping students better recall information. They foster non-linear thinking, encouraging connections between ideas and enabling deeper understanding. Colour, images, and keywords used in mind maps make the learning process interactive and engaging. How to practice: Start by writing a central topic in the middle of a blank page. Use lines, colors, and drawings to connect related subtopics. For example, when studying a biology chapter, students can create a map with the main theme in the center and related terms, definitions, and processes radiating outward. Dual N-Back Game The Dual N-Back is a cognitive training task that involves remembering a sequence of visual and auditory stimuli that appeared "n" steps earlier in the series. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo It is a scientifically studied method to enhance working memory. How it helps The game strengthens short-term memory and the brain's ability to hold and manipulate information. It improves focus, attention control, and mental agility—all crucial for creative problem-solving. Regular use is linked to better performance on IQ and reasoning tests. How to practice: Students can download brain-training apps such as Brain Workshop, Lumosity, or Peak to play Dual N-Back games. A few minutes of practice a day can produce noticeable improvements over time. Daily Journaling and Creative Writing Journaling involves writing down thoughts, experiences, or reflections regularly, while creative writing includes crafting stories, poems, or essays. How it helps: Writing about personal experiences helps encode memories, making them easier to retrieve. Creative writing stimulates imagination, storytelling skills, and expressive language. Journaling boosts emotional intelligence, which can improve concentration and clarity of thought. How to practice: Students can maintain a daily journal where they jot down their thoughts, dreams, or daily experiences. Alternatively, they can use prompts like 'What if I had a time machine?' or 'Describe a world with no gravity' to spark creativity. Memory Palace Technique (Method of Loci) The Memory Palace technique involves visualising a familiar location (like a house) and placing pieces of information you want to remember in specific areas or "rooms." How it helps: It taps into spatial memory and visualisation, which are powerful memory aids. The mental imagery required enhances the brain's creative visualisation skills. It's especially useful for memorising lists, speeches, or historical timelines. How to practice: Imagine walking through your house and placing items (facts, concepts, formulas) in specific locations. When you need to recall them, mentally revisit each location. For example, the kitchen could hold biology terms, while the living room stores math formulas. Puzzle Solving and Brain Teasers Puzzles like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, logic riddles, and number games challenge the brain to think critically and solve problems. How it helps: Regular puzzle-solving improves pattern recognition, logical thinking, and strategic planning. They stimulate the brain's reward system, encouraging persistence and experimentation. Many puzzles require out-of-the-box thinking, a core component of creativity. How to practice: Students can spend 10–15 minutes daily working on a puzzle. Resources include puzzle books, mobile apps, and educational websites. Some effective options are Sudoku for logic, word search for language, and tangrams for spatial awareness. Improving memory and creativity is not limited to natural talent—it can be developed through consistent and targeted mental exercises. Techniques like mind mapping, the Dual N-Back game, journaling, the memory palace, and solving puzzles are not only enjoyable but also highly effective in boosting cognitive abilities. By incorporating these exercises into their daily routines, students can unlock their full intellectual potential, excel in their studies, and become more innovative thinkers. Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! Hurry, only a few seats left.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to be more intelligent in 2025
Our culture places a massive premium on our ability to think and solve problems. It influences our career, dating, and overall life outcomes. We've been sold this broken idea that the cards we get are the cards we get. What if intelligence isn't just about genetics, but habits? You can improve your cognitive skills with a several brain training techniques that will improve your mental performance over time. Here are six quick strategies that only require 15 minutes a day. Choose knowledge over test scores I'll let you in on a little secret: You can improve your IQ score. Just take more IQ tests. Advertisement Scores are proven to increase via the Practice Effect. But that doesn't do much for you, does it? In fact, those enhanced scores are considered an error variance (faulty data) by IQ test administrators. It's easy to get lost in the noise, debate, and hype around intelligence. It's best to think of intelligence as what you do rather than what you are. For example, if you wanted to improve your trivia skills, you wouldn't sit around studying IQ test questions. You'd study random trivia. The best strategy is to develop a growth mindset and implement continuous learning, which is fueled by curiosity. Expand your knowledge base and information at your disposal. Many people you perceive as being extremely smart, aren't born geniuses. They are just well-read. They use their time to find, learn and study things that interest them. Even if you only have 15 minutes a day, spending that time reading not only helps you build your knowledge, it activates neural pathways in the brain. Advertisement I've never met a unintelligent person who spends their free time reading. Or perhaps I have. But, because they read, they did a good job of hiding it. Practice problem solving and critical thinking Studies have repeatedly proven the importance of mental activity and aging. The problem is that most of us get jobs with deep and narrow focuses or which require droning activities, leaving other parts of our brains unchallenged. For example, there's a game that may actually make you smarter. It's called Dual N-Back Online. It has been shown to reduce dementia in patients. While most of you don't need to worry about that now, none of you are getting any younger. Contrary to my own skeptical assumptions, scientists also found that brain games, such as Lumosity, boost cognitive function. Advertisement Participants demonstrated greater problem-solving and an improved ability to quickly switch between tasks. Many games are designed specifically for things you struggle with — such as cognition, pattern recognition, memory, and spatial reasoning. Just as some physical exercises boost functional strength, brain games help with real-life cognitive tasks. It spares you from the abstractness of IQ tests. Remember: Mental exercises don't just improve the mind — they also protect brain health. A quick and easy creativity drill Here's a great creativity exercise my writing mentor taught me. It's simple and you can do it while brushing your teeth. The goal is to think of two things that are as far removed from each other as possible. You could start simple and say, 'Blue and red.' Then you could say, 'Grass and astronomy.' Advertisement You work your way out from there. For example, you could think bike, snail, love, stenography, sales, alphabet. Then, in the final step, after you think of the two most radically different subjects — try to connect them. As a simple example, we could try to connect 'snail' and 'alphabet'. Both can spell each other — a snail with its slime, the alphabet with its letters. Both words have the letters 'a' and 'l'. Both can be a good soup. You get the drift. This exercise develops your ability to connect unrelated subjects. This ability sits at the beating heart of creativity Slow things down with meditation I began meditating after after my initial resistance to the activity. After doing it consistently for a few weeks, I felt a fundamental change in my mind. My stress went down and my posture improved. Advertisement My mind feels calm. The inner noise dies down. I feel still, focused, and uncluttered. Meditation is proven to boost attention and executive function— that part of your brain enabling you to have more control of your actions, to be more deliberate. Another study found that it improves verbal fluency and cognitive flexibility. And I get that many people resist this suggestion. Just as my friend raved to me about meditation, I was doing the same last month with my neighbor. We were working on his car and I said, 'Have you tried meditation?' His face scrunched up, 'No, what is that?' I explained meditation and he gave me this quizzical look like I was talking about hippie wizardry. He's an older military guy. He isn't keen on this type of stuff. However, his doubt isn't uncommon. Advertisement Believe in meditation. The impact is real. It strengthens your mind. I never do it more than 10 minutes a day and it still pays dividends. With all of the overstimulating flashing screens and notifications, it's immensely healthy and helpful to slow everything down. Your brain needs it. Don't shy away from exercise and nutrition Just as meditation, and slowing our minds down, has this counterintuitively useful impact on cognition, so does exercise. It helps reduce the aging effects on our brain, and fortifies your mind to perform at its best. It is also extremely useful in reducing mental health constraints that can negatively impact cognition, such as depression and anxiety (which can hurt executive function, attention spans, and lower processing speed). Advertisement Your brain is a biological organ that is at the mercy of the same chemical forces your other organs are. Don't forget to healthy lifestyle habits to give it the best chance to succeed and perform over time. This includes a healthy brain diet, with omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, berries, green tea, vitamin B12, and leafy greens. Combine this with proper sleep and stress management, and you'll already be ahead of the pack. Lastly, practice deliberate learning One of my close friends is a successful author, who was always an average student in school. In English class, he never got praise from his teacher nor did I seek it. His work was mediocre. You'd have never predicted he'd become an author. I even remember Yet, today, he is much better than many of those star students, writing books and hit essays. Advertisement Why? Because he fell in love with the craft on his own terms years later. He didn't quit. He obsessed over the mechanics, iterated, got feedback, and had the humility to learn at something new. His persistence paid off in huge dividends and I am still in awe of how far he's come. The bigger point I'm making: humans have a remarkable ability to become highly competent at specific things. And while talent will always play a role, it is curiosity and persistence that unlocks your unexpected potential. Make sure you give yourself time to focus on these skills, without distractions, like your phone, which will interrupt deep focus and periods of quick learning. There are too many defeatist attitudes floating around, 'I'm no good at that.' Or, 'I'm not smart enough for that.' You being here — reading in your free time— indicates you're probably smarter than the average dot on a scatter plot. Advertisement Put in at least 10–15 minutes a day on that one thing you wish you were better at, and watch the change happen. Remember, believe in yourself and be persistent. The human brain is a magnificent creation of evolution. Do any of these things for 15 minutes a day, and your mind will be better for it. Treat this as a lifelong learning strategy rather than an instant fix. Recap for your memory
