Increasing Concentration to Augment Memory
Enhancing Concentration: Concentration is another key to augment memory. Concentration enhances the encoding and storing of the target stimuli/information.
i. Tratak Exercise: Draw a circle with 3 cm diameter. Fill it with Blue or Green color. Place it at eye level (Eye Level is the height of viewer’s eyes above the ground plane). Begin focusing on this circle for 1-2 minutes daily. Increase the time period gradually.
ii. Segregating Pulses: Mix pulses/cereals of various shapes/size/color, ranging from smallest (e.g. Rye) to big ones (e.g. Whole chickpeas or Kidney beans). Begin by setting apart the smallest size cereal/pulse. Notice the time taken by help of a stopwatch. Subsequently, separate next size pulse and notice the time. Total time is also noted down. Challenge yourself by reducing the time period for subsequent exercises.
iii. Coloring Circles: Draw circles with varying radius, one inside the other. The aim of exercise is to color the different circles with different colors (pencil colors/crayons) with emphasis that the color should NOT spread out of the boundary. Similar exercise can be done with squares/rectangles or other shapes.
iv. Candle Exercise: Sit in a place which remains undisturbed for at least 15 minutes. Sit in a comfortable position, with loose clothing. Place a candle to your eye level. Light the candle. Focus on the flame of the candle for at least 5-10 minutes without getting distracted.
v. Counting Backwards: This technique will not only relax you, but also help improve concentration. Think numbers. Count backwards, starting from 100 and focus only on the numbers and nothing else. In case your mind starts to wander away, you would need to start over again from 100. This exercise will help you stay alert and more focused.
Distraction: It is mind’s tendency to concentrate completely on the task at hand, when there is distraction in surroundings. You can play music in background, with minimum/gentle volume, in order to study well. (Use this exercise with caution, as for some people distraction disturbs them).
