Mozart for memory!

WRITER'S block, a blank screen, scrambled brains... a condition most of us are occasionally afflicted with; especially when we have to draft a memo to the Boss or file a project report ! These are some of the signs that indicate that our brains have switched off! Happens to the best of us. And if you happen to be over a certain age you may be forgiven for thinking that you are slowing down! Take a breather and learn to kick start your thinking! A few tips on thinking better, faster and getting the creative juices flowing:

* When is your best `thinking time'? Work out the time your brain is at its most active and creative. Set that time aside for the most challenging brainwork of the day.

* Writing down things you have to do, appointments you have to keep are good memory aids. As a Chinese saying goes; `the weakest ink lasts longer than the strongest memory!'

* Anchor new memories to old, established ones. Do not isolate new information; try to relate it to something.

* When you learn a new skill, practice it repeatedly. Give your new ideas and competencies a chance. Do not let yourself be guided by the logical, rational part of your mind. Creativity demands a more relaxed and playful approach— a willingness to give the absurd a chance.

* Do not be afraid of `experiencing' life. Creativity is often the ability to adapt solutions from one aspect of life to another.

* Pay attention. Have you ever been in the embarrassing position of having to ask a person to repeat his name seconds after being introduced? Memory is not the problem here; its how well you concentrate.

* Try something new. A study that compared creative yet `burnt out' people to `steadily creative' people reveals that the main difference between the two is that the latter constantly expose themselves to new knowledge and learning.

* An experimental psychologist has found evidence that a brain exposed to Mozart's music grows more complex connections. So listen to Mozart... ! Follow your passions till the end. Your passion could be the key to lifelong creativity.

* After all what has age got to do with thoughts of creativity?

PADMA

padma.hyd@cnkonline.com