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Understand & Improve Memory Using Science-Based Tools

Episode 72 May 16, 2022 2h 7m 20 insights
This episode I explain the mechanisms by which different types of memories are established in our brain and how to leverage the amount and timing of key neurochemicals and hormones, such as adrenaline (aka epinephrine) and cortisol, to improve your learning and memory abilities. I describe multiple science-based protocols to do this, including repetition, caffeine, emotional states, deliberate cold exposure, sleep, meditation, and the role of vision, including taking “mental snapshots.” I also describe how exercise and an associated hormone, osteocalcin, can improve cognitive ability and memory formation. I also describe unique aspects and forms of memory such as photographic memory, extreme facial recognition (aka super recognition), and the phenomenon known as déjà vu. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Spike Adrenaline Post-Learning

Trigger a significant increase in adrenaline immediately after a learning bout (cognitive or physical) to dramatically enhance memory and reduce the number of repetitions required for retention.

2. Calm Focus, Then Adrenaline Spike

Maintain a calm, highly focused state during the learning process, then intentionally spike adrenaline immediately afterwards to maximize the stamping down of new memories.

3. Daily Meditation for Memory

Practice 13 minutes of daily meditation for at least 8 weeks to significantly improve attention, memory, mood, and emotional regulation.

4. Meditate Early for Sleep

Perform daily meditation sessions early in the day (e.g., after waking, before 5 PM) to enhance cognitive function without disrupting nighttime sleep quality.

5. Cold Exposure Post-Learning

Utilize deliberate cold exposure (cold shower, ice bath) immediately after a learning session to safely evoke an adrenaline release and enhance memory without pharmacology.

6. Intense Exercise Post-Learning

Engage in physically challenging exercise that spikes adrenaline (e.g., a hard run) immediately after a learning bout to enhance memory consolidation.

7. Regular Zone 2 Cardio

Incorporate a minimum of 180-200 minutes per week of Zone 2 cardiovascular exercise to support overall brain health, cardiovascular fitness, and hippocampal neurogenesis.

8. Load-Bearing Exercise for Bones

Perform load-bearing exercises (running, weightlifting, bodyweight movements) to stimulate osteocalcin release from bones, which travels to the brain to enhance hippocampal function and memory.

9. Exercise Before Learning

Consider performing exercise (especially for blood flow and osteocalcin release) 1-3 hours before a learning session to augment hippocampal function and prepare the brain for memory formation.

10. Take Photos for Visual Memory

Volitionally take physical or mental photographs of objects or scenes you want to remember, as the act of framing and capturing the image enhances visual memory, regardless of whether you revisit the photo.

11. Mental Snapshots for Visuals

Actively take ‘mental snapshots’ (e.g., by blinking and deciding to capture an image) to significantly enhance visual memory, almost as effectively as using a physical camera.

12. Visual-Auditory Memory Trade-off

Be aware that enhancing visual memory through photo-taking (physical or mental) may inhibit the memory for associated auditory information from that experience.

13. Use Repetition for Learning

Employ sheer repetition of information or skills to activate and strengthen neural circuits, which is a fundamental method for laying down memories.

14. Avoid Chronic Adrenaline

Do not chronically elevate adrenaline levels during and after learning, as it’s the delta (sharp increase from a lower baseline) that enhances memory, and chronic stress can impair learning.

15. Use NSDR for Relaxation

Utilize Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) protocols, like Yoga Nidra, for deep relaxation and to restore cognitive and physical energy, especially when a low-attention state is desired.

16. Hydrate with Electrolytes AM & Exercise

Drink 1 packet of Element in 16-32 ounces of water first thing in the morning and during physical exercise to ensure proper hydration and electrolyte balance for optimal brain and body function.

17. Supplement with Athletic Greens

Take Athletic Greens daily (once or twice) to cover basic nutritional needs, address deficiencies, and support microbiome health with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals (including D3K2).

18. Insight 18

Access a free 30-day trial of the Waking Up app for guided meditation programs, mindfulness training, yoga nidra, and NSDR protocols to explore different mental states and improve well-being.

19. Insight 19

Claim a free sample pack of Element electrolyte drink mix (sodium, magnesium, potassium without sugar) with any purchase to support critical hydration and cellular function.

20. Insight 20

Claim a special offer of five free travel packs and a year’s supply of Vitamin D3K2 when trying Athletic Greens, an all-in-one vitamin-mineral probiotic drink.