Well, it appears that you’re interested in finding out some ways that you can improve your memory, or possibly get a photographic memory!
GREAT!
This in fact is actually a topic that I myself have always been a bit obsessed with, so you should be in good company!
In this article, I will try my best to help you on your journey to achieving your ultimate memory potential, and possibly help you get a photographic memory in the process!
(As long as you do the exercises I share below…)
What Is Photographic Memory?
Photographic memory is the cause of a lot of debate within the scientific community because there isn’t a consensus on whether or not it exists.
If it does, it’s believed that less than 1% of adult Americans have it.
Whatever you see becomes a part of your memory – very much different from things that you ‘learn’ to give them a place in your memory pool.
It’s an extremely rare ability that many believe that can’t be developed. The best thing that you can do is to improve your memory.
There are a lot of techniques and habits that can help you improve your memory and maybe even develop a photographic memory.
“How Can I Get a Photographic Memory?”
There are certain exercises you can do on a daily basis to get a photographic memory. Here are some of the best ways to make it happen:
- Practicing with mnemonics
- The Loci method
- The peg system
- The military system
- Practicing with Eidetic
- Memory tests
- Exercising
- Boosting Acetylcholine levels
- Incorporating Omega-3 in diets
- Incorporating Luteolin in diets
- Protein-rich diets
- Sleeping better
- Nootropics
- Caffeinated beverages
- Solving Puzzles
- Learning New Languages
Now, let’s dig into each one a bit deeper shall we?
Photographic Memory Vs Eidetic Memory
If you truly want to learn how to get a photographic memory, you need to first know the difference between “photographic memory” and “eidetic memory”.
These terms are often used together hence stir confusion between the two.
Eidetic memory is also a phenomenon that has not yet been proven to exist.
Eidetic memory could be described as the capability of an individual to recall a vision seen just once along with its details within a few short seconds.
Without any mnemonic or learning aid!
In other words, an individual who can ‘capture/snapshot’ a moment in time is said to have an eidetic memory and it dulls as we age.
An individual with eidetic memory is known as an ‘eidetiker’.
Practicing with Mnemonics
This involves the association of letters with whole words.
Mnemonics have been really popular amongst students of all ages and sizes!
Below, we’ll be talking about 2 methods to help you sharpen your memory.
The Loci Method
This is also known as a memory palace – the place that Sherlock Holmes visited in the middle of cracking a mystery.
That place was his mind!
The loci method was invented by Marcos Tulio Cicero back in the Roman era.
Here’s how you do the Loci Method:
- Let’s say you wish to memorize a list of medicines for your pharmacology exam
- First, sort out each medicine according to its purpose/classification/target area i.e respiratory, heart, brain, etc
- Imagine each medicine in its target area working the way it does
- Imagine the whole mechanism of action in your ‘memory palace’
The loci method has a lot to do with visualizing the whole scenario in your mind.
We have an article on brain hacking that offers some great tips and tricks for configuring the brain smartly!
The Peg System
This only involves the association of a letter or a number with a word or sentence that you wish to memorize.
You could even associate rhyming words or numbers with one another.
It is simpler and involves less energy but at the same time does not hold superiority over the loci system.
The Military System
This process revolves around the concept of repetition.
Repetition training of any type will greatly help anyone who is wanting to learn how to get a photographic memory, and the military system is no exception!
Here’s how it works…
First, one would need to close their eyes or seclude themselves in a dark room without any distractions, along with the piece of text that you wish to memorize.
You would also need a piece of paper to cover the text.
Put your blank paper over the text, exposing only a minor portion of it – (the room should be completely dark at this stage).
Turn the light on and concentrate on the piece of text that was exposed.
Repeat this process 5-6 times and then move on to the next portion of the paragraph.
Practice With Eidetic Memory Tests
This involves the superimposition of two very similar pictures.
You can take this test online at the Open.edu website!
Exercising to Aid in Memory
Exercising helps your memory because it’s an important activity that lets your body and brain get rid of waste, regulate and stimulate hormonal release, and many other bodily functions.
Boosting Acetylcholine Levels
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that it’s responsible for many functions in your brain and your body, but for the sake of this article, since it is focused on how to get a photographic memory, you should concentrate on memory improvement first and foremost.
You can’t have optimal memory when your acetylcholine levels are low.
One way to do this is by taking nootropics.
Eggs are one of the best foods for this. It’s high on choline, which is a precursor of acetylcholine. Meaning that it’s transformed into acetylcholine after you’ve ingested it.
*Note: A great supplement that has shown to modulate the neurotransmitter levels in the brain is Alpha Brain by Onnit!
This nootropic supplement greatly helps with memory and focus!
Incorporating Omega-3 in diets
This is an anti-inflammatory substance that you can find in fatty fish oil. It helps with cardiovascular protection, but it can also boost brain health due to its antioxidant properties.
All you need to do to have omega 3 in your diet is to eat more salmon and sardines.
You can also take an omega 3 pill every day. We cover this further in our brain fuel article here.
Incorporating Luteolin In Diets
Celery, Broccoli, Peppers, Carrots, and Apple skins are very much rich in Luteolin.
Luteolin is an anti-inflammatory compound that caters to a sharper memory by offering the brain a healthy environment.
Protein-Rich Diets
The Tyrosine and Phenylalanine components in protein cater to sharper memory skills, so do not skimp out on your protein consumption! It is great for overall brain power.
Sleeping Better = Better Memory Function!
Improving the quality of your sleep is the answer to better brain function.
Certain hormones and chemicals are only released when you’re asleep.
It’s important that you not only sleep a certain number of hours but that you also have quality sleep during those hours.
Get a Photographic Memory BOOST With Nootropics!
Another solution that will give you faster results is to take nootropics.
You can take choline to help with your acetylcholine levels.
These are a few of the nootropics that can help you improve your memory. You can check out our Ultimate List of Nootropics to learn about even more!
*NOTE: You can also check out My top recommended pre-formulated nootropic stack supplements here!
Caffeinated Beverages for a Wakeful Cognitive Boost
Coffee or other caffeinated beverages offer an amazing kick of wakefulness to your mornings.
They are also great for giving you a burst of short-term memory skills by stimulating the central nervous system!
There’s a reason why BILLIONS of people drink coffee (or some other form of caffeinated beverage) to get their day started!
According to some statistics from ICO (the International Coffee Organization), close to 1.4 billion cups of coffee are poured each and every day on average, worldwide!
That is an almost unfathomable amount of coffee!
Brain Games And Solving Puzzles!
Crossword puzzles, word finds, sudoku, chess, Scrabble, complicated jigsaw puzzles, trivia puzzles, or even riddles are all popular and fun ways to challenge your brain, and improve memory function significantly!
>> Also Read my article on 19 Mind Altering Prefrontal Cortex Exercises to Strengthen our Brain Here!
All sorts of puzzles are great for improving memory!
Do You Like Complex & Challenging Brain Puzzles?
>> Check Out These Handcrafted Brain game Puzzles: Difficulty Levels 1-5!
Check Out These Handcrafted Brain Games!
Learning New Languages
This is by far the hardest task out of all, but it can surely raise the IQ bar and sharpen the memory to great levels, and an added piece of how to get a photographic memory through hard work and consistencey!
Final Thoughts…
So, in a nut shell, this is how to get a photographic memory. That is, if you weren’t one of the lucky few who were simply born with it!
For this to work, you’ll need to make some small and consistent lifestyle choices that can have a huge impact in the long-term.
Make sure to practice, work out, eat better, and maybe get help from nootropics and vitamins.
*Please drop me a comment below, and share this post on social media.
It really helps out the site!
Tell me, what (if any) exercises have you done to work towards a more photographic memory? I’d love to hear!
About David Gracey
Founder of SuperMindHacker.com
In other words, I am completely obsessed with anything and everything related to cognitive brain enhancement!
Whether it's nootropics supplements, challenging brain puzzles, or even meditation techniques, chances are, I've tried it! This website is my outlet to give back and share what I've learned in the past 15+ years in this field of study.
You Can Read my Other Posts Here: David Gracey's Articles
