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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A new study shows that using your mobile phone just before you go to bed can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Study participants exposed to the radiation equivalent of a mobile phone took longer to get to the deeper stages of sleep and spent less time in the deepest one than those who were not.

This research suggests that if you need to make a phone call in the evening it is much better to use a land line, and don’t have your mobile by your bedside table.

There goes using your cell phone as an alarm clock!

BY GINA TRAPANI from lifehacker.com

Mobiles Linked To Disturbed Sleep

Have you ever been so tired you almost fell asleep at work?

Did you ever wish you could just crawl under your desk and take a nap like George Costanza?

Whether you were partying too hard the night before, up late feeding a newborn baby, or some other energy draining activity, you’ve got an emergency that needs to be addressed pronto!

Here are some steps you can take to make it through the day. They range from total retreat to commando “cowboy-up” tactics.

Use the ones that will work for you and bookmark this for the next time this happens. (’Cause you know it will! Doh!)

1. Go Home “Sick.” This is total retreat. Head into your boss’s office and tell him or her that you are not feeling well and need to leave. Save this for only the most extreme situations. If you came into work there was probably something that needed to get done. If you just can’t make it to 5 o’clock, then this can be a sweet relief. When you get home, get into bed and ditch the guilt. Go to sleep and start over again tomorrow. And then make a plan to have a better day tomorrow.

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