1- Take handwritten notes

You’re more likely to remember something you’ve written down. If you’re in a class, listen carefully to the lecture and jot down the keywords and phrases you hear. If you’re learning something online or from a book, rewrite what you read in your own words since that can help ingrain it better in your memory. That way, you’ll be able to recall it more quickly.

• For example, if you’re trying to learn more about US history, you could write down a timeline of all the important dates and events.
• Give your full attention to your studies while you’re note-taking so you don’t miss any crucial information.
• Right after you take them, go through your notes and organize them in a more structured way so they’re easier to review.

2- Say it out loud

Hearing yourself repeat the information helps you remember it easier. Read aloud if you’re studying from a book, website, or your notes. Go slowly through the text so you don’t skip over anything important. Try pointing at the words as you read them to help you commit them to memory even more. The more you say the information out loud, the easier it gets to pull it off the top of your head.

• For example, if you’re trying to learn a new language, practice saying vocab words and sentences as you learn them.
• Since you’re actively speaking, the information stands out better in your long-term memory.

3- Try self-testing

Quiz yourself so you see what topics you still need to review. After you’ve read through or practiced something, test your memory by reciting everything you just learned. If you need to remember keywords or phrases, try writing down their definitions without looking them up. Make note of what you have trouble remembering so you can go back and practice it some more. That way, you aren’t wasting time focusing on things you already know well.

• For example, if you’re testing yourself on a textbook chapter, summarize everything that happened in your own words. Then check for any keywords at the end of the chapter and try to define them.
• You can also find many practice tests online for the subject you’re studying.

4- Teach the information to someone else

Explaining something helps you retain the main points. Have one of your friends listen to you as you try to teach them the subject you’ve been learning. Try to tell them everything you know in a clear and direct way so you don’t confuse them. Ask them if they understand or if they need a better explanation. If you have trouble remembering certain points, make sure you go back to review them as well. Since you have to actively recall the information you’re teaching, it’s easier for you to learn the subject more quickly.

• For example, if you’re learning about chemistry, try teaching someone about the periodic table and how the chemicals bond.
• If you don’t have anyone to help you out, try writing out the instructions or information you just learned. Use simple language so anyone who reads it can understand it.

5- Space out your review sessions

You’ll have better long-term memory if you practice frequently. Rather than trying to cram all of the information in a short amount of time, take your time learning. Always review information from your last practice session for a little while in the following session so you don’t forget about it. Since you’re going over the information multiple times, it’ll be a lot easier to recall and improve your memory.

• For example, if you’re learning Spanish, you may start by forming sentences with the vocab words from your last study session. For your current session, try adding some new words and using them in sentences as well.
• As another example, if you’re trying to pick up guitar, practice the basic scales and chords every day before moving onto more complex songs or techniques.
• Cramming only works in the short term, and you’re more likely to forget the information you learned.

6- Stop multitasking

Trying to do too much at once makes it harder to learn. When it’s time for you to study, get in the zone and only work on one subject at a time. Try to avoid watching TV, checking your phone, or studying other material while you’re learning since you’ll have a tougher time remembering the subject you want to focus on. Even though you might think you’re learning more at once, you’re more likely to get confused and have to go back to review the topics later on.

7- Get more sleep

Your brain processes your memories while you’re asleep. Try to get a good night’s sleep in between your study sessions since it will help you retain the information better. Try to follow the same sleep schedule every day so it becomes a routine. Keep your room cool and dark so you get the most restful sleep. Since sleep helps you form long-term memories, you’ll pick up that new skill or topic even speedier!

• You usually need around 7–9 hours of sleep every night.