Hi everyone!
I'm Lucas from LanguageBoost,
and I'm passionate about languages and language learning.
In this video series, I answer your questions on language learning
and share the best tips and tricks
I've learned over the past 10 years.
Recently, in a coaching session, one of my students complained to me that his memory
was terrible and that he couldn't retain verbs in his long-term memory.
He asked me if I'd recommend studying new words
before going to bed instead of studying them in the morning.
He'd seen a bio-hacking coach giving this advice
and backing it up with scientific studies.
Essentially, the theory is that we retain new pieces of information more efficiently
when we have a long period of sleep right after having learned something new.
Well, here is my personal take on the matter:
Having tested these techniques myself, I do believe that
there are indeed specific times of the day which favor better memorization.
On the other hand I also advocate that sometimes the answer is far less complicated,
and we all need to do is to go back to basics.
One of the most vital aspects of language learning is our ability to concentrate.
However, this is often overlooked in the search for the magic solution.
We can try out several advanced and sophisticated mnemonic techniques,
but nothing will work if we can't concentrate for long periods of time.
So ask yourself, how long can you concentrate for?
Thirty minutes?
As my student was asking me about these techniques,
I couldn't help but notice that he was checking his phone
every 5 minutes, continually being distracted by notifications.
What about you?
How long can you concentrate without being distracted?
15 minutes?
Or perhaps only 10 minutes?
The advent of technology has greatly improved the way
we study languages,
and I fully support using it
as a powerful tool to boost our studies.
However, it is also true that as we become more dependent on our gadgets and devices,
our concentration span has dramatically decreased
Conversely, it's incredible how much we can improve
our performance by simply focusing on one task.
So before seeking out new memory techniques,
ask yourself if you can really keep yourself concentrated for a sufficient amount of time.
As a matter of fact, the ability to concentrate isn’t inherent in humans.
It is a skill, and like all skills,
it can be developed and perfected.
We start developing our ability to concentrate around the age of six.
Children at that age can concentrate for about 15 minutes.
By the time we're teenagers, despite the plethora of distractions,
the ability to concentrate increases by a factor of two.
But as adults, we can focus for even longer.
which is obviously a significant advantage as far as language learning is concerned.
Unfortunately, our multi-tasking lifestyle decreases our ability to focus,
and that's why it's vital to re-train this skill.
Here are some tips on how to get more out of a study routine.
Tip number 1
Stop sleeping!
No, I’m kidding.
On the contrary, get enough sleep!
While the amount of sleep individuals need varies,
it is universally true that when we have a rested brain
we are faster and far more productive.
We all want to be more productive when acquiring a new skill
like learning a new language.
If we are stressed and tired,
we simply won't have the same productivity level
as when we are well-rested and stress-free.
Sleep deprivation almost completely shuts down our focus and concentration
which, in turn, has a significant impact on the process of forming new neural connections.
I can't stress this enough:
Rest is THE key for cementing new concepts in our long-term memory.
Sleep deprivation is much worse than people like to imagine
especially for language learning, as we rely heavily on our working memory.
If you're not getting enough sleep, you might want to reevaluate your priorities.
If it's not possible to sleep more hours at night,
consider taking 15, 20-minute naps during the day.
Such power-naps can be beneficial,
and they are a great way to refocus and recharge.
Tip number 2
Have a workout routine.
Resting is not only about sleeping and taking naps.
Countless scientific studies have proven that
physical exercise is necessary for our mental restoration.
It helps us clear our heads,
giving our subconscious mind the opportunity to recover,
allowing us to concentrate for extended periods of time.
So, start moving! The more you move, the more energized you will feel.
Having a regular and straightforward physical routine
gives you more muscle strength and boosts your stamina.
In other words, it will give you the energy
you need to have a clear mind to focus and concentrate.
In an experiment published by an American College of Sports Medicine,
a group of students was asked to memorize a long sequence of letters.
After they tried to commit it to memory, they were given 3 options:
they could go for a run, lift some weights, or just sit in the classroom.
The students who ran found it much easier
to recall the letters not only faster
but more accurately.
Who do you think performed the worst?
That's right.
The students who just sat in the classroom.
Sometimes a good 15 minutes of moving around,
even just around your apartment,
makes your body feel more energized
and ready for the next round of studying.
Tip number 3
Drink enough water.
Drinking water benefits hormone regulation
and neurotransmitter production.
In addition, the body produces more cells
with a high oxygen concentration,
and eventually it allows your body to remove toxins.
As a consequence, it increases your attention span.
A good habit to help you
meet your daily intake needs
is to keep a bottle of water by your desk.
With an easy source within eyesight,
you'll be constantly reminded to drink more water.
So there you have it.
3 simple but powerful tips to naturally improve your memory
before you resort to more advanced and sophisticated mnemonic techniques.
To review:
Tip 1. Get enough sleep and
if you don't have enough hours at night,
consider taking 15, 20-minute naps during the day.
Tip 2. Have a workout routine, or at least start moving.
Exercising will sharpen your focus.
Tip 3. Drink more water
it will help maintain water balance in your body.
And before I go, I will give you a bonus tip:
Control your environment.
Set time aside to study and limit distractions.
Before starting to study:
Close the door,
turn off your phone, the television
shut your laptop
and turn off notifications
or put your phone on airplane mode.
After all, the best method to improve your concentration is to avoid distractions.
I've just shared with some tips,
but now, it's your turn.
Do you have questions on language learning?
Put them in the comments below
and I will answer them in upcoming videos.
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Thanks for watching and from all of us at LanguageBoost, until next time.