A new study in the psychology journal Acta Psychologica suggests that improving your working memory changes your perception of time and makes it seem like time moves faster. Working memory controls your ability to pay attention, plan and remember things. It’s also a skill you can improve. More »
If you have trouble remembering long numbers — like phone numbers — Redditor Fealiks shares a simple way to keep everything straight. All you need to do is assign the numbers to letters, and create a phrase that’s easy to remember — just like you did to learn the planets or order of operations in primary school. More »
We tend to take for granted that we’ll lose mental agility and memory as we age, but when does that process kick in? A recent study suggests that it might happen as early as 45. Yikes! More »
Scrabble-lover and hacker Tom Rees knows that the key to dominating at the popular word game hinges on knowing all the possible two-letter words. The problem? It’s not necessarily easy to memorise all 124 possible two-letter words. Here’s how Rees hacked scrabble with the judicious application of mnemonics and technology. More »
From the “silly but useful” files: YouTube comedians Joe and Buzz explain how to remember that thing you always forget — whether it be turning off the stove, locking your apartment door, or feeding the cat. Just sing yourself a little song after you perform the action in question. More »
If you often forget your lunch in the refrigerator before heading off to work, Reddit user LS6 suggests keeping your keys in or on top or your refrigerator to help you remember your meal. More »
It’s hard to remember names. Despite your best efforts, strategies, and even apps, you’re going to forget. Gretchen Rubin, writing for Psychology Today, has a good suggestion for avoiding the awkwardness that follows your lack of memory: use a compliment. More »
iOS: Need a little help cementing your new acquaintance’s name in your brain so you won’t need to embarrass yourself next time you meet? iPhone application Namerick uses tried-and-true techniques to help you remember the name of a person you’ve just met, creating memory mnemonics, sending you followup reminders, and more. More »
Ever have a brilliant idea and then walk into another room only to find your idea has vanished? A new study suggests it’s not just you: Walking through a doorway makes it harder to remember thoughts from the previous room. More »
