Whether you are studying for your Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam or are already on the job, having a good memory is a requirement for having a career in pharmacy technology – after all, it’s important to remember the difference between the various prescriptions that you fill.1 If you’re going to stay sharp and make sure that you remember all the things you studied in pharmacy technology school, you’ll need to use these tips to improve your memory:
1. Exercise
Physical activity is not only important for maintaining a healthy body, but also a healthy and active mind. The brain depends on the energy it receives from the intake of oxygen, and exercising is a great way to keep the blood flowing to your brain and improve your memory and focus. Instead of sitting in a chair during your lunch break, take a quick walk around the block. You may also want to try biking to work or school instead of driving.2
2. Socialize
If you’re pursuing a career in pharmacy technology, then it’s pretty likely that you enjoy talking with people – after all, you’ll have to interact with patients on a regular basis. Fortunately, socializing is also a great way to prevent memory loss. The effects are even more apparent when you spend time with family, friends and other loved ones.3
3. Create a story
When studying for the PTCB exam, there’s a lot of information to remember. As you attempt to memorize the various types of prescription medications, try to come up with a story that will connect the different pieces of data – it’s much easier to remember one story than hundreds of fragments.4
4. Stay mentally active
It’s important to exercise your brain even when you aren’t on the job or in pharmacy technology classes. Fortunately, there are easy steps that you can take to stay mentally active.5 Try doing the crossword puzzles in the newspapers or on the last page of your favorite magazine. You can also buy a cheap Sudoku book at the drugstore or play a game of Scrabble with your friends – whatever keeps your mind moving!
5. Get a good night’s rest
Believe it or not, the amount of sleep you get each night can have an effect on your memory. Sleep gives your mind time to rest, so try to get the recommended eight hours a night.6 1 Kagan, George, Pharmacy Technician Training, ‘Qualifications For a Pharmacy Technician,’ Oct. 31, 2012 – http://blog.pharmacytrainingonline.com/2012/10/qualifications-for-pharmacy-technician.html 2 Edmonds, Molly, Discovery Channel, ‘Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Memory,’ 2013 – http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-ways-to-improve-memory.htm 3 Mayo Clinic, ‘Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory,’ 2013 – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/memory-loss/HA00001 4 Forbes, ‘Top Tips to Improve Your Memory,’ 2013 – http://www.forbes.com/pictures/lmj45ilhg/connect-info-in-a-story/ 5 Mayo Clinic, ‘Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory,’ 2013 – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/memory-loss/HA00001 6 Forbes, ‘Top Tips to Improve Your Memory,’ 2013 – http://www.forbes.com/pictures/lmj45ilhg/sleep-soundly/
