Create A Mindmap: It's A Great Memory Improvement Booster!

Use a mindmap to improve your memory and enhance your creativity - it's a great tool!

As people age, a natural degeneration in memory is not uncommon. Neurons get tired as time passes and it gets harder for them to perform their individual functions at peak performance ... which effects strength, appearance and even memory.

You can encourage your body to continue working at high levels, even with increasing years, through regular exercise. And just as you exercise your body, there are also exercises and tools that can improve your memory.

A mind map is a tool that is shown to enhance memory. Let's take a look at how you can use this valuable tool to have the best possible experience as you age.

What is a Mindmap?

It is a simple tool that translates complex information, data, facts and figures into a graphic picture making it easier to understand, remember and communicate.

The diagram has a central point, with spoke-like branches that show the relationship between the central theme and other secondary information and details that you are trying to recall or make sense of. (See the picture below for an example)

Studies have shown that mindmapping improves test scores and recall.

Mind maps aren't really new. In fact, there is evidence that shows that this technique has been used from as early as the 3rd century.

How Does A Mind Map Help With Memory Improvement?

Almost all things are more easily learned when various parts of the brain are engaged simultaneously and that's where the magic of this tool lies. It stimulates many regions of the brain, thereby deepening memory recall.

A mind map allows you to write down information, but so do regular notes. It's the pictorial part of the process that seems to make the most difference. Instead of just seeing words on a page, a picture is created that locks information into your brain. The effect is increased if you use color coding, drawings and diagrams for different types of information within the map.

Mindmapping enables you to have a greater clarity of thinking when you are organizing information or have a lot of ideas that you want to capture. Here are some of the ways you can use a map:

• Creating a To Do List
• Managing your projects
• Brainstorming
• Taking notes
• Planning out a project
• Making decisions
• Event planning

How to Generate a Mindmap

In its most simple form, a mind map can easily be created on a piece of notebook paper, with a pen.

A main idea is placed in the middle of the mindmap and branches drawn around that point to the secondary ideas. If sub points are needed, then the map is further expanded outwards.

To stimulate the brain even more make use of color coding. Designate one color for each spoke on the wheel or a separate color for each type of information on the map.

There are also computer programs that can help create more detailed mindmaps. Below is an example of a map I created using a great piece of software called Novamind

Visit my partners at Novamind and download their software for a 30 day trial - I think you'll enjoy using it

While most of the studies around mind mapping have been done using students or business environments, the tool can be used for anyone who wants to keep their memory active, including those who wish to fight the natural effects of aging.

The next time you want to remember a lot of information, or to manage a project, or brainstorm some ideas - consider using this wonderful tool. It may take a little time to get used to this new technique, however, as you get do, your memory should be stronger and more reliable and your productivity will increase.

Best wishes

Jack Taggerty

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