Topics on Potential: Working Memory

Have you heard about working memory? It’s your brain’s hold and perform function. It’s like this. Say your phone number to yourself. You did it right? Fast and sweet. Now say your phone to yourself backwards. Uhhhhh, a little slower? Yep, that’s what we thought. That’s because rather than just recall your phone number, your brain needs to hold the number in mind and literally “work it” from the last to first while holding the whole number altogether. In real life many people struggle with working memory as a result of depression, anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia or just everyday stress. Can you say Pandemic? Yes stress. In everyday life working memory can impact your ability in class to follow directions, take notes while simultaneously listen to the lecture (especially if it’s boring) or follow along a group discussion when several people are talking at once (in a study group or party). You can be an all star, athlete but get calls, plays, steps or the sequence of a course mixed up. Working memory has nothing to do with intelligence or how smart you are. It really doesn’t. Some days though, it can really trip you up and when it counts: exams, competitions, job interviews or even a first date. At home, you may forget what your partner asked you to do if they asked you to do more than two things at once. We understand and we got you. BRAIN TIP: Ask friends and family members to write down what they need on a sticky note so you can refer back to it. Leave a white board by your front door with your “out the door checklist” on it (e.g., keys, phone, lunch, backpack), use tech tools like Otter or Notability to record and transcribe your lectures or office meetings.