Memory is the amazing ability of our brain to store information, forming self-awareness. Understanding how it works gives us the opportunity to improve cognitive skills and quality of life.
In this article, we will dive into the wonderful world of memory and learn a little more about it through answers to popular questions.
And if your child loves learning new things, we look forward to seeing them at Progkids!
What is memory?
Memory is one of the most mysterious and important functions of our brain, playing a key role in shaping personality and ensuring the ability to learn and adapt to change. Past experiences, which are cherished in our memories, are beneficial in the present and help us plan for the future. Without memory, our lives would be deprived of context and meaning, and every event would be perceived as completely new.
What types of memory are there?
There are several types of memory: sensory, short-term (working) and long-term. Sensory memory stores information for a split second, short-term memory for a few seconds or minutes, and long-term memory can store data for years.
How does information go from short-term memory to long-term memory?
The process is called consolidation. It involves the repetition and processing of information, which helps to consolidate it in long-term memory.
What is working memory?
Working memory is a part of short-term memory that is used to temporarily store and process information when performing cognitive tasks.
How are attention and memory related?
Attention plays a key role in the process of remembering. It helps to extract important information from the data stream and send it to short-term memory.
Why do we forget?
Forgetting can be due to interference (when new information interferes with old information), lack of repetition, or the natural fading of memories over time.
How can you improve your memory?
Regular brain exercises, a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and adequate sleep help improve memory.
How does stress affect memory?
Short-term stress can help you remember something important due to the release of adrenaline, but chronic stress has a negative impact on cognitive function.
How does technology affect our memory?
Modern technologies can both support memory development through educational applications and games, and reduce the need for memorization due to the availability of information online.
How to remember what you forgot, if you really need it?
Remember everything related to this: events, places, people, smells, sounds. Relax — this will help relieve tension and open access to memories. Sometimes you can refresh your memory of forgotten moments through conversation. Sleeping well can also improve cognitive function. At night, the brain processes information so you can remember what you forgot the next day.
Can human memory run out?
Human memory has no physical limitations like a computer's hard drive. The brain has an incredible ability to store information due to its plasticity and ability to form new neural connections.
Why does memory embellish memories?
First, emotionally intense events seem brighter. We remember them so that they are in line with our beliefs and expectations rather than reality. Each time we remember an event, we reconstruct it anew, changing details based on current experience. Over time, we also feel the past more positively than it actually happened, especially when we compare it to real difficulties.
Why do we have involuntary memories?
When we spontaneously remember something, it may be due to the intense emotions we have experienced. In addition, sudden memories of unfinished tasks suggest that the brain is trying to complete them.
How are memory and dreams related?
Dreams serve as a mechanism for processing experiences related to the day's events. This process reduces emotional stress and promotes psychological adaptation. Dreams also help us find solutions to the challenges we face. This is due to the fact that in dreams, the brain freely associates ideas and finds innovative solutions.
Cartoons about memory that you can watch with the whole family
Here are a few cartoons that touch on memory and help children understand how memory works and why it is important:
“Puzzle” 6+ (Inside Out), 2015
The cartoon is about a girl named Riley, whose emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust— control her behavior. The cartoon shows how memories are formed and how they affect our personality.
Finding Dory 6+ (Finding Dory) 2016
Continuation of the story about Nemo, in which the main character is Dory the fish. She's trying to remember the past and find a family.
Wrinkles 12+ (Arrugas), 2011
The story of a friendship between two elderly people. Emilio and Miguel share a room in a nursing home. Emilio is in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Miguel and his friends decide to help him avoid ending up on the ominous upper floor known as a place of hopeless accidents...
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