National Memory Day
Our brains have the remarkable ability to store countless memories, from the mundane to the extraordinary, shaping our sense of self and providing a rich tapestry of life.
Uh…what day is it again? Oh yes, that’s right – it’s National Memory Day! (Sometimes it can be hard to remember.)
Although many people believe that they simply are born with a bad memory, a great deal of research has shown that the memory parts of the brain can be stretched and exercised just like the body. So those who want to improve their memories can do so in a variety of ways.
Fitting closely with the beginning of spring, National Memory Day might be the perfect day to celebrate the amazing gift of memory – before you forget and the day is over.
If forgetting seems likely, go ahead and tie a string around that finger to be sure to remember to celebrate this day!
How to Celebrate National Memory Day
For those who remember to make a little extra effort and plan ahead, celebrating National Memory Day can be a load of fun whether alone or with a group of friends or family members. Clever and fun ideas for celebrating the day might include:
Get a Good Night of Sleep
Most people don’t realize that getting enough sleep is a critical factor in the ability to have a sharp memory. People who have healthy sleep lives are more effectively able to store and retrieve long-term memories.
For those who struggle to sleep, try practicing healthy sleep hygiene habits such as cutting out caffeine, dimming the lights, turning off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, reading a boring book, and going to bed/waking up at the same time every day.
Watch Finding Dory
A spinoff of the first Disney Pixar film, Finding Nemo, this animated movie features the voice of Ellen Degeneres as Dory, Nemo’s memory-impaired friend.
Dory, the adorably forgetful blue-eyed tang fish can only keep her thoughts straight for about 10 seconds, and then she has to start over.
In the story, she does somehow know that she was separated from her parents when she was younger. So, Dory and her friends, Nemo and Marlin, set out on an adventure to find her parents and, ultimately, release them from captivity. It’s a delightful look at friendship and tenacity, even when forgetfulness gets in the way!
Make Memories for the Future
Spend the day with people you love, doing things you love, and capture it in your mind and heart to keep for the future. For those who want to keep a creative record of the day, it can be fun to make a memory book or scrapbook.
People who are interested in looking back from the future might consider creating a time capsule. Fill it with interesting things that represent this current season of life, what’s important or interesting about today, friends and family who are a part of life.
Then bury it in a special place. Choose a time in the future (maybe 10 or 20 years from now) when it will be time to go back and dig it up. The memories will be fascinating!
Create a National Memory Day Playlist
Throw a few songs about the memory onto a Spotify playlist as a soundtrack for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers:
- Memory (1981) by Elaine Paige, from the musical Cats
- Memories (2019) by Maroon Five
- I Will Remember You (1993) by Sarah McLachlan
- Photograph (2005) by Nickelback
- September (Do You Remember?) (1978) by Earth, Wind, and Fire
- When We Were Young (2016) by Adele
Participate in Memory Games
Like any other part of the physical body, the brain and memory need exercise in order to stay in tip-top shape. Memory loss is less likely to occur in old age for those who work hard at exercising their minds.
Why not try one of those on-line brain games to test out how well your memory skills function? Or devise your own test at work – cover your eyes and try to remember all the items on your colleague’s desk.
Or what about trying to remember the lines from your favorite TV show’s theme song from back when you were a child? Some experts say that even simply doing a sudoku or crossword puzzle regularly can help keep the memory sharp and the brain in its best working order.
Eat a Memory-Boosting Meal
Certain foods are known to be excellent helpers for boosting memory and brainpower. Try cooking with new recipes or ordering in foods that contain these special ingredients:
- Fish — with Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Coffee — with Caffeine and Antioxidants
- Blueberries — with Antioxidants
- Turmeric and Curcumin — with Antioxidants and helps grow new brain cells
- Broccoli — with Vitamin K
- Dark Chocolate — with Flavonoids
Although not a food, Ginkgo Biloba is a health supplement that has been shown to slow down or even prevent age-related memory problems, memory loss, or other types of mild cognitive impairment.
Support an Important Charity
On a more serious note, it is no secret how devastating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are to both its sufferers and their loved ones. Why not mark this day in a meaningful way by supporting one of the great charities that help in these areas?
The Alzheimer’s Foundation is one of many organizations that help with this difficult illness that is deeply connected with short-term memory loss.
The organization provides a memory screening program and tests, caregiving resources, scholarships, and various events for people affected by the disease as well as their families and caregivers.
Or, it might be thoughtful to go visit someone you know who is affected by memory loss. They may not remember it, but you will – and your world will be a little better for practicing this kindness.
History of National Memory Day
The discipline of studying human memory dates back at least 2000 years. Aristotle was a philosopher who believed that humans are born with a mind like a blank slate and memories are imprinted on them in a way similar to making an impression on wax.
This philosophy leans toward the “nurture” side of the “nature vs. nurture” question. And scientists have been trying to learn about memory ever since.
The brain is a complex and mysterious organ that is extremely difficult to study. However, modern technology has brought significant advances to the understanding of the processes of memory.
A study has revealed that the brain goes through three memory processes: encoding, storage, and retrieval. So in order to be able to recall memories, all three processes must be working well!
While it might be hard to believe that it starts that young, scientific research has shown that the first memories in human development begin in the womb, even before a baby is born.
And although the capacity of the human memory is considered to be basically limitless, most people cannot recall memories that happened to them prior to the age of 3-4. Some scientists believe it’s not that the memories aren’t there, it’s simply that they are unable to be recalled.
National Memory Day is the perfect time to enjoy a variety of memory-related activities–and to think about someone who might struggle with memory a little bit more.
National Memory Day FAQs
How did ancient civilizations commemorate memory?
Ancient Greeks and Romans honored Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory.
They believed she was the mother of the Muses, who inspired arts and sciences. This connection underscores the importance they placed on memory in cultural and intellectual pursuits.
Are there unique memory-related festivals around the world?
In Japan, the Obon festival honors ancestors’ spirits. Families light lanterns and perform traditional dances to remember and celebrate their forebears.
This festival highlights the cultural significance of memory and ancestral reverence.
What are some fun myths or misconceptions about memory?
A common myth suggests humans use only 10% of their brains. In reality, we utilize virtually every part of our brain, and most of it is active almost all the time.
This misconception often leads to misunderstandings about memory and cognitive potential.
How do different cultures preserve collective memories?
In Mexico, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) involves creating altars with photos and favorite items of deceased loved ones.
This practice keeps their memories alive across generations. Such traditions emphasize the communal aspect of memory in cultural identity.
Are there unique ways people celebrate memory enhancement?
In India, the festival of Saraswati Puja honors the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
Students place their books and instruments at her feet, seeking blessings for improved memory and learning. This ritual reflects the cultural importance of memory in education.
What are some unusual questions people have about memory?c
Many wonder if photographic memory truly exists. While some individuals have exceptional recall abilities, true photographic memory, capturing images in perfect detail, lacks scientific evidence.
This topic often sparks debates about the limits of human memory.
How do animals demonstrate memory capabilities?
Elephants are renowned for their impressive memories. They can remember locations of water sources over vast distances and recognize individuals after years apart.
This ability is crucial for their survival in the wild.
Are there any quirky memory-related traditions?
In South Korea, students eat sticky rice cakes called “yeot” before exams. The belief is that the stickiness will help information adhere to their memories, enhancing recall during tests.
This practice showcases the cultural interplay between food and cognitive beliefs.
How has technology influenced memory practices?
The rise of digital photography and social media has transformed how we document and recall memories.
Platforms like Facebook offer “On This Day” features, prompting users to revisit past events and memories, blending technology with personal history.
What are some amusing facts about human memory?
The “Mandela Effect” refers to collective false memories, where large groups remember events differently from how they occurred.
For example, many recall the Berenstain Bears as “Berenstein Bears.” This phenomenon highlights the fallibility and quirks of human memory.
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