Learn How you Remember

I’ve rediscovered a favorite habit-reading. I’m solidly in the “hold a book in my hands” camp, but lately I’ve ‘read’ more books by listening to or reading them on my computer. But some books I simply want to hold and read. This feeling corresponds completely with how I like to learn. To remember well, I need to see it.

My problem is I rarely sit down to read. If I wait to hold the book and read, I usually find something else to do. I’m learning however, if I can listen, I find more time-in the car, while I work out, etc. So, I began listening to audio books again.

My husband and I used to do this a long time ago on road trips (think pre-children). So, when preparing for a road trip last fall I downloaded a book to help pass the time. (Much different than how I used to check the audio books out at the library!) My daughter and I found the trip went much more quickly while listening to the book. It was engaging, fun, and I was hooked again.

Learn How you Remember

Part of why has to do with my preferred learning styles. I’m mainly a visual learner, meaning I like to ‘see’ information to understand it. Hence, my preference for reading physical books. But that’s not always possible and my secondary learning style is auditory-which is why I enjoyed listening to the books too. Another reinforcement of my visual style is how I also now enjoy reading electronically.

Recently I received a book to read which was only available electronically. With my new laptop (or typically any type of electronic reading device), I was able to highlight and write in the margins like I would with a paper copy. This really increased my enjoyment of reading electronically! I’ve also discovered that reading visually (either in hard copy or electronically) is my preference for material I’d truly like to retain and remember.

A great fiction story or light non-fiction are now my go-to picks for audio listening. These types of books encourage and/or entertain. I’ve realized I prefer this genre when listening. If I need to stop to write things down or ‘clip’ sections to return to while listening, the interruptions make listening more difficult. Being able to just listen to a story is a great escape which is one of the great things about reading!

When we utilize our best ways of learning, we help our memory. How do you like to learn best? Is it by seeing, hearing, or doing? We should use our favorite style to retain things since it’s our strength. But when we want to simply escape or stimulate our brains another way, we can use our secondary style. Use various #habit methods to engage your brain differently!

Learn how you remember best by exploring your learning styles and how to apply them to stimulate your brain and memory this week. It’s one more habit worth using daily!

To see some of my latest favorite books, see my fiction list and non-fiction faves!