8 Quick Brain Exercises for BTech Aspirants To Boost Memory Power

Meditation

Meditation is among the best exercises that help boost memory power. Meditation helps a person reduce stress and helps sharpen their memory. The meditation process requires one to close their eyes and breathe in while saying "breathe in" in their head as they do. Then breathe out and say "breathe out". This can be continued for 10 to 20 minutes every day. It has been scientifically proven that meditation can increase the density of grey matter in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and learning. It trains the brain not to overthink and improves focus and attention, which are essential for memory.

Mind Mapping

Candidates can approach the mind mapping exercise to boost their memory power. Mind mapping is a visual technique that organises ideas simply and creatively. The techniques revolve around the main topics, and from there, related ideas branch out like tree branches. On the creative side, the technique uses keywords, colours, and images to represent the information instead of long notes. With visualisations, the brain captures the information more efficiently and has an effective impact.

How does mind mapping work?

Mind mapping works by using the following components.

Central Topic: The technique always starts with a main idea or subject at the centre of a blank page.

Branches: From the main topics, branches are drawn where each branch represents key themes, subtopics, or related concepts.

Keywords & Images: The technique uses keywords, short phrases, and images to capture the information.

Connection: More sub-branches are connected with the branches where more detailed information about the main ideas is represented.

Chunking Method

The method breaks down big data into smaller pieces or chunks to make it easier to understand and remember. Chunking organises huge amounts of information in smaller and grouped chunks so that an individual can memorise the same data instead of pressurising the brain to remember the whole information in one go.

How does the Chunking Method work?

Chunking works by breaking down huge amounts of information into smaller, easier-to-handle groups called "chunks." For example, trying to memorise the long string of numbers like a phone number, say "9876543210", though not impossible to remember, but time-consuming. However, by applying the chunking method, one can rearrange the number as 987-654-3210. Now it becomes easier to remember the number, since the number has been chunked into smaller numbers.

Active reading and note-taking

One of the most effective ways to boost your memory is active reading and note-taking. This method has been the oldest and most frequently used method in schools till now. Students preparing for JEE Main can rely on this method to help them remember the vast information by writing it down as they read. The methods help students to engage with the topics instead of just passively reading them. It helps students to understand, retain, and recall information more effectively

Daily Journaling

Another best practice a BTech aspirant can do is daily journaling daily. The act of physically writing down things on paper makes the information short-term to long-term memory and signals the brain to think that it's important information. While writing, all our senses (touch, sight, smell, hearing) become more active compared to typing and are more focused on the information.

Puzzle Solving & Brain Games

During all the hectic exam preparation, Btech. Aspirants can sit back and relax by doing fun puzzle-solving activities and brain games. Sudoku, crosswords, Rubik’s Cube, or logic puzzles are some of the puzzle/game activities that candidates can do to train their brains to think analytically and improve pattern recognition, which is essential for problem-solving in engineering.

Flashcards & Spaced Repetition

Another fun activity that BTech aspirants can try is flashcards and spaced repetition. Flashcards, as the name suggests, are small cards which can be made physical and are also available digitally (like Anki or Quizlet). On one side of the cards, students need to write a question or term, and on the other side, they write the answer or definition. Now, students can practice spaced repetition by looking at the flashcards, from time to time, to revisit the key concept for a longer interval of time, which improves long-term memory

Physical Exercise & Sleep

Brain exercise includes physical exercise and good sleep, as well. As the phrase goes, "a healthy body is a healthy mind", which indicates a connection between physical and mental well-being. Students can take off an hour or two from their busy study schedule for physical exercise. The physical exercise can be any outdoor game, such as cricket, football, basketball, or simply running in open fields to strengthen the muscles. Exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can significantly improve students’ mental state. Further, students also need to follow healthy sleeping habits, which include getting at least 8 hours of sleep daily, going to bed and wake up at the same time every day,

Aspirants preparing for the JEE Main exam go through a lot of pressure and face difficulties remembering stacks of formulae and equations. Therefore, incorporating the above exercises and techniques in their daily study routine will definitely help them boost their memory power and also handle the pressure with ease.