Success is universally desirable. Education is a tool for learning. The human mind is the most sophisticated faculty. If we were to integrate these facts, the implication would be that modern-day education should ensure ‘success to all minds’ who have access to education. But the reality is quite different. It has been observed that memory power is on a decline among children.
The need of the hour is to empower children with various tools and techniques that enhance their inner power, memory and concentration. This can help them in studies and facing exams, and will also elevate their personality
The right environment is essential for children so that they can study well. Parents need to keep track of the ‘inner world’ of the child.If the child is mentally or emotionally disturbed then he cannot focus on studies.If needed,professional help from counsellors should be taken.It is important to strengthen memory power. Physical conditioning of the brain with emotional nurturing of the mind can help students to study and perform better.
Here, we shall focus on enhancing memory power of students.
● Preparatory phase:
1.Study environment should be peaceful with ample light and air.
2.There should be no distractions or disturbances — including technology or television. 3.Ensure right posture,sitting with the spine erect.
4.Early morning studies have a deeper and long-lasting effect
● Deep breathing: Before studying, take a few minutes for breathing with awareness. Simply sit and focus on breathing. Observe inhalation and exhalation. Let the rhythm be uniform. Do 27 cycles of this practice.
● Alphabet counting: One of the simplest exercises to sharpen the brain is alphabet counting.Open any page of the textbook and start counting every alphabet, including full stops and comas. Over a period of time the speed and grasping power of brain will increase.
● Replicate writing: This simple exercise improves the retaining and recalling capacity.Open any random page of the textbook. Read a paragraph thoroughly. Close the book and try to write down words, sentences and punctuations. Then compare it with the original. Practising this on a regular basis enhances memory.
● Listening with awareness: Take a break between studies. Listen to everything with awareness.Close your eyes and sit. Listen to all the sounds around you. Right from the deafening, screeching noises of vehicles to the subtle sounds of music.Try to decipher the sounds based on its intensity,source and proximity.
● Recall events: Before going to bed, sit with closed eyes.Try to recall the events which occurred throughout the day.Along with the visuals,try to recall the emotions associated with them. Look at them as an observer.As though you are watching a movie.Allow them to pass-by.This process gradually helps in retaining and recalling what you read and study.
● State of non-doing: Process of meditation has different dimensions to different people. For students, a simple process of ‘state-of-non-doing’ is also equally powerful.For this,sit in a comfortable position with closed eyes. Just relax and let go.Let go of all thoughts, feelings and emotions. Breathe effortlessly.A few minutes of this can rejuvenate the mind. It’s as simple as clicking the ‘Refresh’ icon on the computer.
● Break free: Disconnecting even for a few minutes from the outer world can reduce the randomness of the mind and lessen the speed of stray thoughts which eat away the memory power.It is similar to installing an antivirus app to save the memory data of your software system.
● Positive visualisation:Write down your goal or end-result that you wish to achieve neatly on paper, clip it on /near your study table or in front of your bed.Whenever you read it, it will have a positive impact. Read it before you go to bed.
Visualise what you have written is actually happening in your life.You are experiencing it.This becomes like a magnet that can manifest your thought into reality.
● Balancing act: Maintain a fine balance between your sleep, diet, studies and physical activity. Everything in moderation is healthy.