Why Memorizing Phone Numbers Boosts Your Memory Skills
Memory training expert Jim Kwik explains why relearning phone numbers is a powerful way to enhance your cognitive abilities.
Just dedicating 30 minutes a week to memory practice can make a significant difference.
Memory coach Jim Kwik highlights why relying less on your smartphone’s contact list and actively memorizing phone numbers again is a smart strategy.
Kwik points out that many people view memory as a container that, once full, can’t hold any more information. He calls this challenge the “digital flood”: our brains, which have evolved little over the last 200,000 years, feel overwhelmed by the constant influx of new technologies.
How to Combat This
According to Jim, the brain is more like a muscle—it grows stronger with exercise. The more we learn, memorize, and recall, the easier these tasks become over time. Here’s a simple exercise he recommends for anyone wanting to sharpen their memory:
Set aside 30 minutes once a week, turn off all notifications, and minimize distractions as much as possible. Use this time to memorize the phone number of someone you frequently contact. This straightforward practice helps your brain process and retain more information.
If you have a bit of free time, give this technique a try. Memorize a number and test yourself after a few days to see if you can recall it. Once you’ve mastered one, move on to the next.
And no, don’t just memorize generic numbers like 1-800-555-3535—choose truly useful numbers. This skill will come in handy if you ever find yourself without your phone.
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