• How to increase long term memory for tests and exams

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    Here are two practical strategies from the that might help improve long-term memory retention for tests and exams:

    1. Enhancing Memory with Caffeine: outlines a unique way to use caffeine for improving memory retention. The recommendation is to abstain from caffeine while studying and learning, and then ingest 1 to 3 milligrams per kilogram of caffeine afterward. This post-learning caffeine intake spikes your adrenaline and can increase memory retention of the studied material. He notes that the catecholamines released (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) tend to lock in memories for things that happened before the increase in these chemicals. For an even stronger effect, this can potentially be combined with a cold shower, deliberate cold exposure, or intense exercise, all of which also raise catecholamine levels and thereby can enhance memory encoding 1.

    2. Visual Focus and Cognitive Focus: discusses how our cognitive focus tends to follow our overt visual focus and suggests that visually focusing on a single location for periods ranging from 30 seconds to a few minutes can strengthen the brain's ability to maintain and refocus attention. He suggests picking a target and maintaining gaze, while allowing yourself to blink. This practice engages neural circuits including the prefrontal cortex and frontal eye fields, enhancing the ability to concentrate over longer periods 2.

    Applying these methods could potentially enhance one's focus and memory retention, which are both critical for studying and performing well on tests and exams.

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