Sometimes calming down requires you to walk away and do something else. Take a five-minute break to talk to someone, watch tv, or work on another task.

Push aside any other thoughts, face the person squarely, look them in the eye, and listen. Make remembering this person’s name your number one priority in the moment. [5] X Research source

After the person says his name, repeat it back to him, confirming you heard it correctly. This can be especially helpful with names that are difficult to pronounce. Repeat the person’s name once more, saying something like “It’s nice to meet you, Bob. " As you walk away, repeat the person’s name in your head.

For example, if you meet someone named Bill and he has very blue eyes, visualize a blue dollar bill. [7] X Research source

You can set up recurring reminders, too. So if you have to pick up your little sister after tennis practice every Tuesday, you can set up a reminder that will go off every week.

You can make associations in all kinds of ways–the more out of the ordinary, the better. If you need to do something on your computer, place something unusual on the keyboard (like a toy boat or banana) so you remember you’re going online to pay your bills, not to look at cute cat pictures.

The more you access a thought or “use” it, more likely it will end up in your long-term memory, which can store information indefinitely. [10] X Research source Singing about your task can also help you remember. Pick a simple tune like “Twinkle, Twinkle” or one of your favorite songs, and sing about how you’re going to take your medication.

Try this method when you need to accomplish something on your computer–the distractions on a computer are so numerous, it’s easy to get side-tracked. Put the sticky note on your computer screen, and then move it to the edge as a reminder to stay on-task.

Try not to study on the couch or sitting on your bed, since you will probably be taking the test at a desk. [13] X Expert Source Bryce Warwick, JDTest Prep Tutor, Warwick Strategies Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.

Identify the larger similarities in the information you are trying to memorize–like a significant date or location–and categorize the remaining information under these headings. [15] X Research source

There are almost limitless ways to come up with mnemonic devices. Try making up rhymes, creating acronyms, or an easy to recall visual image.

There are almost limitless ways to come up with mnemonic devices. Try making up rhymes, creating acronyms, or an easy to recall visual image.

There are almost limitless ways to come up with mnemonic devices. Try making up rhymes, creating acronyms, or an easy to recall visual image.

There are almost limitless ways to come up with mnemonic devices. Try making up rhymes, creating acronyms, or an easy to recall visual image.

There are almost limitless ways to come up with mnemonic devices. Try making up rhymes, creating acronyms, or an easy to recall visual image.

There are almost limitless ways to come up with mnemonic devices. Try making up rhymes, creating acronyms, or an easy to recall visual image.

When you’ve finished reading, try to look at the subject from the broadest perspective (this is a book about history) and then keep narrowing it down (this a chapter about World War II; this is a section about the Battle of the Bulge) until you are examining the important lessons, themes, and facts you should take away (this was the last great German offensive, the massive casualties destroyed the German Army). [19] X Research source If you don’t want to mark your text book, summarize each paragraph in a notebook. You can even rip this page out and carry it in your pocket to study on-the-go.

Studies show that the effects of exercise on the brain are cumulative. That is, if you work out regularly, you will see better results than if you work out only occasionally. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Make sure you are genuinely interested in these new activities. Faking interest isn’t going to challenge your brain. [24] X Research source

Napping between study sessions is a good way to let your brain absorb everything you just learned.