A popular analogy for a computer’s memory management systems is the human mind.In this analogy, the hard drive of a computer is equivalent to a mind’s Long Term Memory. The RAM of a computer corresponds to one’s Short Term Memory.

However, one main divergence arises: in a computer, one can easily upgrade memory by purchasing a bigger hard drive disc or plugging in an upgraded RAM chipset. One cannot do this for the human brain.

Luckily, there are methods for expanding the human memory capacity. Here are 11:

1. Multiple Exposure - A common example for this tip is the average college student. For most college courses, a direct positive correlation exists between attendance and good grades. This is the result of extra exposure. Even if a student does not take notes during the class, her brain is still processing the information. Later when said student studies for an exam or does her homework, her brain will recall some of the information from the class and studying will be easier and more of a refresher. This is why most courses and education establishments employ the 3-exposure technique known as lecture, homework, and exams.
2. Pay More Attention to More Difficult Information - This may seem obvious but it is often overlooked. In reality, when we are taking in information for an extended period of time, we tend to lose focus after some time or fall into an expectation of the quality of information. When the quality changes, we may continue taking it in as our expectations propose. Think of it again, as a college student. To take notes on every word a professor utters would be difficult and counter productive. To be as efficient as possible, we must be aware of information quality changes and act accordingly.
3. Learn What Kind of Learner You Are - We all learn differently. Some of us learn best through visual cues, some through auditory cues, and others through pure hands-on experience. Most of us are a mixture of all three, but specialize in one. Use this test to determine what kind of learner you are and from now on, try to use it to your advantage. Read all »
   

The last month has been one of the most productive of my life.

PersonaDev.com is growing comfortably. My work seems easier. I am getting up early and attacking assignments and tasks with enthusiasm rather than regret.

I am getting in better shape. I am eating right and I am exercising daily.

In general, I am getting things done and my short-term goals are being met earlier than I am setting new ones.

I sat down the other day and asked myself “Why has your last month been so productive?”

I came up with 5 activities and concepts that stimulated my month:

1. Sleeping Better – I despise waking up late. When I wake up late, I feel like I’ve wasted so much time and it puts a damper on the rest of the day. This month, I’ve been rising early. First, figure out when you are most productive. Are you an early bird? A night owl? Now try to wake up 5 minutes early each day or stay up 5 minutes later every night until you are awake for the majority of your “most-productive” time.
   
   
2. Eating Better – Eating right can be an amazing energy boost. Cut out fried foods as much as possible. Stick to chicken and salads whenever you can. Make sure you get the right intake of protein for your weight and activity level. Eat breakfast! Just a few minor changes in eating habits can improve your vigor significantly.

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What exactly is “metabolism”? We hear the term thrown around in phrases like, “I’m trying to lose weight, but I have a slow metabolism,” and, “She eats so much but has a fast metabolism, so she never gains weight.”

Metabolism is the rate at which your body burns the amount of energy, usually measured in calories, in order to maintain itself. “Speeding up your metabolism” is actually increasing the volume of calories and the rate at which your body needs to burn those calories, for normal daily activities.

An increased metabolism can lead to increased energy, quicker fat burning, and fewer health risks.

Here are 5 Tips to help increase your metabolism:

(1) Eat small and frequent meals: Try to eat 4-6 small meals a day. When we eat a large meal and then fast for an extended time, our bodies go into “starvation mode”. They try to turn whatever calories we have from our previous meal into fat and store them for later use. Eating multiple small meals during the day will allow your body to use all the energy from these meals immediately, making you feel healthier, more energized, and more productive.

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