Scientists Have Discovered A Simple Memory Trick That'll Stop You Forgetting Your Umbrella | HuffPost Life

Take that, rain ☔️

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Life Editor at HuffPost UK

If you’re prone to leaving your brolly at home, listen up.

The next time you hear about the possibility of rain on the weather forecast, try imagining the umbrella tip being lodged in your home’s door lock, blocking you from locking it.

This mental exercise could prevent you from leaving home without an umbrella, scientists have said.

According to a new study, imagining an action between two objects (the umbrella being lodged in the door lock) and a potential consequence (not being able to lock the door) may help people improve memory relating to objects.

This finding is part of an in-depth study into a natural memory strategy, termed “unitization”, which was used by an individual with amnesia who was able to create new memories despite his condition.

Sam Edwards via Getty Images

According to Dr Jennifer Ryan, senior scientist at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute, better understanding of unitization could allow it to be used in personalised memory rehabilitation to help older adults and those with amnesia bypass gaps in their abilities.

“Previous research has shown that imagining two objects fusing into one will help people work around these memory deficits, but our work demonstrated that understanding the relationship between the two items is also important,” Dr Ryan said.

“We know that cognitive function is impaired during ageing and this strategy could be one workaround for minor memory problems, depending on what you need to achieve.”

The study evaluated the performance of 80 healthy older adults (between the ages of 61 to 88) on a memory task.

The group members were first trained and tested on the task to gather initial results, then split into sub-groups.

The sub-group who were taught to imagine an object with an action and consequence showed the greatest memory improvements.

“We are trying to understand what’s important to unitization and what people need to learn in order to benefit,” said Dr Ryan.

“There is no single strategy that will fix your memory, but one method may be more be suitable than another.”

Next steps for the research will be to explore how the brain’s systems support different memory strategies.

The Baycrest Health Sciences research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and the Canada Research Chairs Program.

The full research is published in the journal Memory and Cognition.

10 Tips For Keeping Your Brain Healthy

1. Challenge Yourself(01 of10)

It’s all too easy to remain in your comfort zone, but learning a new skill, language or musical instrument will not only stimulate the little grey cells but enrich your life too. (credit:Vstock LLC/Sarah M. Golonka via Getty Images)

2. Do Something Different(02 of10)

Everyday routines drain our brains, so change things about.

From the routes you take to the shops or work, to what you cook for dinner, the changes you make can be big or small, but encourage yourself to step away from the norm. (credit:Lynn Koenig via Getty Images)

3. Learn To Relax(03 of10)

Although it is important to challenge yourself, you must also take time to refresh and unwind.

Our brains require time to process information deeply in order to learn from our daily experiences.

It may sound obvious, but relaxing reduces stress and the over-production of brain chemicals and hormones, such as cortisol, which in large quantities can negatively affect parts of the brain. (credit:Tom Merton via Getty Images)

4. Turn On And Turn It Up!(04 of10)

Watching too much TV can dull brain programming.

Instead, put on your favourite music playlist, turn the volume up and really listen to it rather than just have it as background sound.

Research shows that music can lower stress hormones which impede memory and increase feelings of well-being. (credit:Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)

5. Reorganise Your Environment(05 of10)

More mess leads to more stress! Revamp your home or workplace by de-cluttering and provide mental space for creativity and renewal. (credit:bopav via Getty Images)

6. Enjoy A Lie-In(06 of10)

Research shows that when you’re persistently sleep-deprived, your body doesn’t have the time to build proteins, which can damage your brain.

So go to bed early and, once a week, give yourself a treat and stay in bed for an extra hour or so. (credit:Troels Graugaard via Getty Images)

7. Use Your Weaker Hand(07 of10)

When was the last time you tried to write, draw or even stir your tea with your weaker hand?

Doing day-to-day activities with your "other" hand can drive your brain to make positive changes, as it requires the brain to pay close attention to a normally unconscious behaviour. (credit:FogStock/Alin Dragulin via Getty Images)

8. Keep Active(08 of10)

Exercise can improve our energy levels and immune system, as well as our sense of wellbeing, sleep, and brain health.

Again, variety can be key, and taking up a new activity – be it yoga, swimming, Nordic walking or kick boxing – is invigorating and pushes us to learn new disciplines.

Nervous about something new? Take a friend along to encourage you and so you can both make changes in your life. (credit:Assembly via Getty Images)

9. Ditch The Caffeine, Switch To Water(09 of10)

Although coffee or tea will give you an immediate boost, too many cups can be harmful for your brain.

Sipping water can be remarkably helpful when your energy levels are ebbing or your concentration is starting to dip. (credit:Indeed via Getty Images)

10. Have Fun(10 of10)

Finally, just in case this has all sounded a bit serious so far, the tenth tip is to simply: “have fun”.

Socialising and spending happy time with friends and family enables the sharing of experiences, challenges, emotions, trust, and understanding.

Research shows that people with five or more regular social ties halved their risk of cognitive decline compared to those with no social ties. (credit:kristian sekulic via Getty Images)

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