Everyone can store and retrieve information by using a couple of different cognitive tactics. The techniques that are listed below (rated in descending order) were discovered, studied and used, by people that are familiar with the techniques. They inform others of methods to use increase their memory and cognition. Each exercise that is learned properly and done habitually, can have a significant effect.
Visual Imagery - People that are trying to remember something can visualize the image of one stimulus that evokes the image of another (similar) stimulus. This can be done easily and used effectively. For example, when a person sees someone & wants to recall his/her name, he/she can link the person's image with their name to remember who they are. People can also imagine (almost) anything while trying to retain information in that manner. However, visual imagery can be difficult when material is presented too rapidly. People should use their vision at a certain speed which they find themselves successful in remembering things. Their speed should be judged individually, then tested. The test scores should display a significant memory increase.
-Mark & Search - People can also make use of visual imagery to locate a specific object by creating a cognitive map. They should store things in an appropriate place and avoid putting the article(s) down or away without thinking. They can make the object more visual by marking it and searching for it carefully and systematically.
-Spatial Orientation - A person can use verbal and visual coding in areas that they are unfamiliar with. They should think of landmarks until he/she knows the area that they want to be in (their goal). For example, if a person forgets where their car was parked, or gets lost, he/she should have a particular code in mind so that he/she can locate they are searching for, or the place that they can reach, more easily. One of the easiest/best codes to use is rhymes. Also, the individual should select an environment that does not have many distractions.
-Habits - Human beings can retain knowledge by doing a consistent activity (a routine task). For example, a person that takes pills the same time each day can reach a certain point at which they do it habitually.
-Verbal Mnemonics - People can learn to use peg-words. A person should link a specific word that reminds them of something that looks like or sounds like something that they desire.
-Calendars and Diaries- A basic fundamental thing that helps people retain specific dates to remember and significant ideas are calendars and diaries. Both can be used quite often to retain knowledge and recall specific appointments.
-Organization - Placing each article in a specific location/position helps people remember where/what an object is better. To find something, a person should sort their information in a systematic manner, then store it. Material that is moved into a distinct, memorable, position can be found more easily. He/she can mentally retrace sequential events or actions that were used to discover the thing that is being searched for, by creating a small "story" in their mind to remember where they placed the object.
-Concentration - Think clearly and try to maintain your thoughts while listening or reading something of importance. It is much easier (and faster) to remember meaningful material than incomprehensible material.
-Lists - People should can create a numerical record, an alphabetical list, or turn numbers into letters (or letters into numbers - whichever is more memorable & useful).