Author: Victor Pham
Have you ever wished you could remember information more easily—whether for school, work, or everyday life? Two recent studies shed light on how different habits and learning strategies can strengthen memory and executive function.
A study of nursing students from the International Journal of Nutrition found that using mnemonics, chunking, and mind mapping dramatically improved their ability to retain and recall information.
Mnemonics (like acronyms or rhymes) help encode details for quick recall.
Chunking groups related items together, easing the load on working memory.
Mind mapping visually organizes complex ideas, encouraging deeper understanding.
When students combined all three methods during lessons, their test scores rose significantly, demonstrating the power of structured memory tools.
Memory isn’t just shaped by study habits—it’s also influenced by how we move throughout the day. Another study of college students from Behavioral Sciences revealed that 24-hour movement behaviors—including moderate to vigorous physical activity, reduced screen time, and adequate sleep—were all linked to stronger working memory and overall executive function. Interestingly, even small increases in daily physical activity and reductions in screen-based sedentary time made a measurable difference.
To sharpen your memory and thinking skills, try blending both approaches:
Use mnemonics or mind maps when tackling challenging topics.
Break information into manageable chunks.
Prioritize daily movement: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, limit recreational screen time, and aim for 7–9 hours of sleep.
Carry a small notebook to jot down ideas or lists—handwriting can reinforce memory further.
Better memory doesn’t come from a single trick—it’s built through both mental strategies and healthy daily habits. Start small: create a mind map for your next project, take an extra walk today, and give your brain the rest it needs to perform at its best.
Sources
Sankar, C., VasanthaNila, M., Nandakumar, S., Neelakandan, P., & Suresh, G. (2025). Mnemonics, Chunking, and Mind Mapping in Enhancing the Perceived Memory of Nursing Students. International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, 15(2), 209–213. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijnpnd.ijnpnd_32_25
Zhang, X., Moss, S., Wu, C., Keller, J., & Gu, X. (2025). The Whole Day Movement Matters to Executive Function Among College Students. Behavioral Sciences (2076-328X), 15(8), 1129. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15081129
