14 answers
Moises
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
1802 views
Can anybody help?
Hello,
I am in 7th grade and I have a question. How can I improve my memory and avoid feeling overwhelmed in difficult situations? Thank you for taking the time to help me.
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13 answers
MANAHIL Mujtaba
Student
19
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
MANAHIL’s Answer
Hi !
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times, and it’s great that you’re asking for help. Here are a few tips:
For memory:
Study in short sessions (25–30 minutes) with breaks.
Test yourself instead of just rereading.
Connect new ideas to things you already know.
Get enough sleep
Write down tasks so you don’t have to keep them all in your head.
Focus on one important task at a time.
Talk to someone you trust about how you feel.
Small daily habits can make a big difference over time .
Manahil
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times, and it’s great that you’re asking for help. Here are a few tips:
For memory:
Study in short sessions (25–30 minutes) with breaks.
Test yourself instead of just rereading.
Connect new ideas to things you already know.
Get enough sleep
Write down tasks so you don’t have to keep them all in your head.
Focus on one important task at a time.
Talk to someone you trust about how you feel.
Small daily habits can make a big difference over time .
Manahil
Kristen Jaccodine
High School School Counselor (Guidance Counselor)
18
Answers
Sussex, New Jersey
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Moises,
I understand that being forgetful is scary and overwhelming. I'm proud of you for taking a step and asking for help. That's important and says something about you. I also hope you know that you can work through this so you can feel more relaxed in situations.
Manahil provided a list of excellent tools that you can apply to help yourself. It is important, if you have not done so already, to talk with the people you are closest to and explain what you're having difficulty with. Talk to your teachers, explain what is happening to you. Your teachers can not only provide you with some ideas on how to help with your studies, but can also provide you with their observations. Their feedback can be just as helpful.
A strategy you can try to improve your memory....what is something that you enjoy? Do you like sports? Do you like being outdoors? Studying history? If you can pinpoint one thing that you are interested in and want to know more about, this can make working on your memory skills feel less like work. For example, let's say you have a collection of sports cards and you want to learn the value of each. You can create a spreadsheet - on paper or your computer, whichever is easiest for you- then start searching and recording.
This task enables you to not only learn about your cards, but also teaches and strengthens your ability to research (which is reading and connects to memory) and then your writing (taking notes) skills. Both reading information, then recording it, and then re-reading, are strategies that you can use to help improve your memory. If this helps you recall details about a specific card (even if you use your list for a quick reference), you can apply the same skill set in different directions.
It's okay to write things down in whatever method works for you. I have students who prefer old school - writing things on a paper calendar and students who keep everything on their phone.
Keep talking, asking questions.
Take Care.
I understand that being forgetful is scary and overwhelming. I'm proud of you for taking a step and asking for help. That's important and says something about you. I also hope you know that you can work through this so you can feel more relaxed in situations.
Manahil provided a list of excellent tools that you can apply to help yourself. It is important, if you have not done so already, to talk with the people you are closest to and explain what you're having difficulty with. Talk to your teachers, explain what is happening to you. Your teachers can not only provide you with some ideas on how to help with your studies, but can also provide you with their observations. Their feedback can be just as helpful.
A strategy you can try to improve your memory....what is something that you enjoy? Do you like sports? Do you like being outdoors? Studying history? If you can pinpoint one thing that you are interested in and want to know more about, this can make working on your memory skills feel less like work. For example, let's say you have a collection of sports cards and you want to learn the value of each. You can create a spreadsheet - on paper or your computer, whichever is easiest for you- then start searching and recording.
This task enables you to not only learn about your cards, but also teaches and strengthens your ability to research (which is reading and connects to memory) and then your writing (taking notes) skills. Both reading information, then recording it, and then re-reading, are strategies that you can use to help improve your memory. If this helps you recall details about a specific card (even if you use your list for a quick reference), you can apply the same skill set in different directions.
It's okay to write things down in whatever method works for you. I have students who prefer old school - writing things on a paper calendar and students who keep everything on their phone.
Keep talking, asking questions.
Take Care.
Robert Epstein
General Manager
118
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Moises,
You’re not alone. Many of us have had times in our lives when we feel overwhelmed and also have difficulty remembering things.
As far as feeling overwhelmed, I think Michelle M.’s suggestions are especially good ones. Talking with the right people will help a lot. We all have our own particular mindset and experiences, and chatting with more experienced folks can definitely help you get insight.
Also, for starters, look for books on memory improvement. There are lots of positively reviewed ones available to buy or find at the library. Sometimes just reducing your stress level will help your memory. In addition to counseling, I strongly recommend practicing stress management techniques like meditation or mindfulness exercises. You can do an internet search to find one that seems right for you and has a valid scientific reputation for success.
It’s good that you’ve recognized how you feel. There definitely is help out there. These difficulties can be overcome.
Best of luck to you!
You’re not alone. Many of us have had times in our lives when we feel overwhelmed and also have difficulty remembering things.
As far as feeling overwhelmed, I think Michelle M.’s suggestions are especially good ones. Talking with the right people will help a lot. We all have our own particular mindset and experiences, and chatting with more experienced folks can definitely help you get insight.
Also, for starters, look for books on memory improvement. There are lots of positively reviewed ones available to buy or find at the library. Sometimes just reducing your stress level will help your memory. In addition to counseling, I strongly recommend practicing stress management techniques like meditation or mindfulness exercises. You can do an internet search to find one that seems right for you and has a valid scientific reputation for success.
It’s good that you’ve recognized how you feel. There definitely is help out there. These difficulties can be overcome.
Best of luck to you!
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
128
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Moises -
That's a fantastic and very important question to be asking in 7th grade! It shows you're thinking about how to learn and handle stress effectively, which are skills that will help you for the rest of your life.
Improving Your Memory 🧠 - Memory is like a muscle—the more you use it in the right ways, the stronger it gets.
1- Active Learning: Instead of just reading, get involved with the material. After you read a paragraph, close your book and try to explain it out loud in your own words. Use flashcards to test yourself, or create mind maps to connect ideas. This "active recall" forces your brain to work, which makes memories stronger.
2- The Power of Spaced Repetition: Don't cram. Review information a little bit each day. For example, if you learn something new on Monday, review it for 10 minutes on Tuesday, again on Friday, and then again the next week. This technique helps move information from your short-term to your long-term memory.
3- Teach Others: When you can teach a concept to someone else (like a family member or a friend), it means you've truly mastered it. It's one of the best ways to solidify your own understanding and memory.
Avoiding Feeling Overwhelmed 🧘- Feeling overwhelmed is a normal response to tough situations, but you can learn to manage it.
1- Break It Down: A big project or problem can feel impossible. The trick is to break it into smaller, manageable steps. For example, instead of thinking "I have to write a whole science report," think "First, I'll choose my topic. Then I'll research for 30 minutes. Then I'll write the introduction." Each small step is an accomplishment that builds momentum.
2- Focus on What You Can Control: In a difficult situation, it's easy to worry about everything. Instead, ask yourself: "What is one small thing I can do right now that will help?" Maybe it's taking a deep breath, organizing your desk, or completing one homework problem. Focusing on one controllable action can calm your mind.
3- Practice Mindfulness: When you feel overwhelmed, your mind is probably racing. Try a simple exercise: take three slow, deep breaths. Feel the air go into your lungs and out again. This simple act can bring you back to the present moment and help you think more clearly.
4- Talk to Someone: You don't have to handle everything alone. Find a trusted adult to talk to, like a parent, teacher, or school counselor. Just explaining what's bothering you can make the problem feel smaller and more manageable. They can also offer great advice.
Remember, the goal isn't to never feel overwhelmed or have a perfect memory. The goal is to have strategies that help you manage these feelings and improve your skills over time. You've already taken the first step by asking for help. Keep that curiosity going!
That's a fantastic and very important question to be asking in 7th grade! It shows you're thinking about how to learn and handle stress effectively, which are skills that will help you for the rest of your life.
Improving Your Memory 🧠 - Memory is like a muscle—the more you use it in the right ways, the stronger it gets.
1- Active Learning: Instead of just reading, get involved with the material. After you read a paragraph, close your book and try to explain it out loud in your own words. Use flashcards to test yourself, or create mind maps to connect ideas. This "active recall" forces your brain to work, which makes memories stronger.
2- The Power of Spaced Repetition: Don't cram. Review information a little bit each day. For example, if you learn something new on Monday, review it for 10 minutes on Tuesday, again on Friday, and then again the next week. This technique helps move information from your short-term to your long-term memory.
3- Teach Others: When you can teach a concept to someone else (like a family member or a friend), it means you've truly mastered it. It's one of the best ways to solidify your own understanding and memory.
Avoiding Feeling Overwhelmed 🧘- Feeling overwhelmed is a normal response to tough situations, but you can learn to manage it.
1- Break It Down: A big project or problem can feel impossible. The trick is to break it into smaller, manageable steps. For example, instead of thinking "I have to write a whole science report," think "First, I'll choose my topic. Then I'll research for 30 minutes. Then I'll write the introduction." Each small step is an accomplishment that builds momentum.
2- Focus on What You Can Control: In a difficult situation, it's easy to worry about everything. Instead, ask yourself: "What is one small thing I can do right now that will help?" Maybe it's taking a deep breath, organizing your desk, or completing one homework problem. Focusing on one controllable action can calm your mind.
3- Practice Mindfulness: When you feel overwhelmed, your mind is probably racing. Try a simple exercise: take three slow, deep breaths. Feel the air go into your lungs and out again. This simple act can bring you back to the present moment and help you think more clearly.
4- Talk to Someone: You don't have to handle everything alone. Find a trusted adult to talk to, like a parent, teacher, or school counselor. Just explaining what's bothering you can make the problem feel smaller and more manageable. They can also offer great advice.
Remember, the goal isn't to never feel overwhelmed or have a perfect memory. The goal is to have strategies that help you manage these feelings and improve your skills over time. You've already taken the first step by asking for help. Keep that curiosity going!
Scott M
Entrepreneur | Senior Sales Executive
42
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Moises, I know it can be hard when you forget things or feel overwhelmed, especially when you really want to do well. The truth is, everyone deals with this at times, even adults. What matters most is focusing on what you can control. You cannot always control how much work you get or what challenges come up, but you can control your actions and your attitude. If you keep working on those two things, you will get better at handling any situation.
For memory, break things into small pieces and go over them more than once. If you are learning something new, write it down in your own words or explain it to someone else. When you feel overwhelmed, pause, take a slow deep breath, and remind yourself that all you need to do is focus on the next small step. Staying calm and positive will help your brain work better, and the more you practice, the easier it becomes.
Break information into smaller chunks and review it a few times during the day
Write things down in your own words or teach them to someone else
When you feel stressed, take a slow deep breath and focus on one small action you can take right now
Remind yourself that you can only control your actions and your attitude, not everything else around you
Take care of your body with good sleep, healthy food, and water so your mind can stay sharp
For memory, break things into small pieces and go over them more than once. If you are learning something new, write it down in your own words or explain it to someone else. When you feel overwhelmed, pause, take a slow deep breath, and remind yourself that all you need to do is focus on the next small step. Staying calm and positive will help your brain work better, and the more you practice, the easier it becomes.
Scott recommends the following next steps:
Wanderley Pasqual Junior
Customer Experience Leader
2
Answers
Spring, Texas
Updated
Wanderley’s Answer
- Breathing exercises when you feel overwhelmed can help a lot to control this feeling.
- Taking breaks (15min minimum) when you feel your mind is tired is a great option too, but avoid using electronics/screens during the breaks because they tend to keep your mind rushing and active. The idea of the breaks is to relax your mind. Going for a walk outdoors is very helpful.
- When you feel overwhelmed or anxious, try journaling about how you are feeling. Write down anything that come across your mind about that feeling.
I read great insights in the other answers! They sure work!!! Pick a few options as a start.
The most important thing is: whatever you choose to do, make it a habit. Practice daily so your brain and body get used to it. It takes some time for you to adapt. Be patient and consistent.
Lastly: Don't be too hard on yourself! :-) We all go through difficult situations, and they make us grow! The difficult situations should be treated like any other. There is no right or wrong. When you try something and it does not work, it is fine. You can try again and again, until it works ;-)
- Taking breaks (15min minimum) when you feel your mind is tired is a great option too, but avoid using electronics/screens during the breaks because they tend to keep your mind rushing and active. The idea of the breaks is to relax your mind. Going for a walk outdoors is very helpful.
- When you feel overwhelmed or anxious, try journaling about how you are feeling. Write down anything that come across your mind about that feeling.
I read great insights in the other answers! They sure work!!! Pick a few options as a start.
The most important thing is: whatever you choose to do, make it a habit. Practice daily so your brain and body get used to it. It takes some time for you to adapt. Be patient and consistent.
Lastly: Don't be too hard on yourself! :-) We all go through difficult situations, and they make us grow! The difficult situations should be treated like any other. There is no right or wrong. When you try something and it does not work, it is fine. You can try again and again, until it works ;-)
N K
Program Manager
2
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
N’s Answer
Wow, what a question to ask in the 7th grade! I am very impressed.
Sharing a few things from my personal experience.
(1) Meditation.
Sooner you start, faster you get benefits. There are many videos which can help you to start. Start with 2 mins and try to reach until 15 mins or so. OR 10 mins in morning & evening
(2) Information filtering.
There are tons and tons of information of all kind available. You don't need to know, read each and everything. It's like you don't want any random person passing by your home to give an entry. So you can imagine some sort of door in the brain which takes care of filtering the information you want to digest. This will help you to stay focused on your interests, goals.
(3) Revision
Try to revise at different frequency. Spend a few minutes at the end of day to revise your learning throughout the day. Do the similar thing at the end of the week and then month. This will help you to stay focused on what you really want to keep remembering for a longer time.
(4) Writing
Jotting down on a piece of paper makes your brain to remember for a longer duration.
start with a small step and then slowly increment
Sharing a few things from my personal experience.
(1) Meditation.
Sooner you start, faster you get benefits. There are many videos which can help you to start. Start with 2 mins and try to reach until 15 mins or so. OR 10 mins in morning & evening
(2) Information filtering.
There are tons and tons of information of all kind available. You don't need to know, read each and everything. It's like you don't want any random person passing by your home to give an entry. So you can imagine some sort of door in the brain which takes care of filtering the information you want to digest. This will help you to stay focused on your interests, goals.
(3) Revision
Try to revise at different frequency. Spend a few minutes at the end of day to revise your learning throughout the day. Do the similar thing at the end of the week and then month. This will help you to stay focused on what you really want to keep remembering for a longer time.
(4) Writing
Jotting down on a piece of paper makes your brain to remember for a longer duration.
N recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Moises !
If you are becoming overwhelmed in certain situations and noticing difficulty with memory, it is good that you've recognized it and are reaching out to make improvements. Someone who doesn't know you could not possibly tell you what to do because what you've been experiencing has a root cause and there are professional people that can indeed help you.
Your first step would be to visit your school social worker who could do an evaluation and perhaps refer you to a therapeutic professional who specializes in cognitive and behavioral health. Next would be to get a complete physical to see if there may be something physiological happening. Also evaluate your diet to see if you are getting enough nutrients. Sleep and exercise are important on a daily basis, too.
It will help if you start to experience talking about these issues with your parents or a trusted adult - in person. You will not be effectively helped on the internet for this. Get used to expressing details about your feelings and what triggers the feelings you're having. The more detailed you can be about what's happening, the better you can be helped and start to see improvement.
Think of some new things to do because sometimes a change of pace can help. See if there are any clubs or activities or after school programs that you can join. Meeting new people sometimes helps. Remember to pace yourself and not overload yourself with school work or commitments. As you progress, you can discover your comfort level.
I hope this can serve as a guide for what you may need to do and I wish you all the best !
If you are becoming overwhelmed in certain situations and noticing difficulty with memory, it is good that you've recognized it and are reaching out to make improvements. Someone who doesn't know you could not possibly tell you what to do because what you've been experiencing has a root cause and there are professional people that can indeed help you.
Your first step would be to visit your school social worker who could do an evaluation and perhaps refer you to a therapeutic professional who specializes in cognitive and behavioral health. Next would be to get a complete physical to see if there may be something physiological happening. Also evaluate your diet to see if you are getting enough nutrients. Sleep and exercise are important on a daily basis, too.
It will help if you start to experience talking about these issues with your parents or a trusted adult - in person. You will not be effectively helped on the internet for this. Get used to expressing details about your feelings and what triggers the feelings you're having. The more detailed you can be about what's happening, the better you can be helped and start to see improvement.
Think of some new things to do because sometimes a change of pace can help. See if there are any clubs or activities or after school programs that you can join. Meeting new people sometimes helps. Remember to pace yourself and not overload yourself with school work or commitments. As you progress, you can discover your comfort level.
I hope this can serve as a guide for what you may need to do and I wish you all the best !
Amanda Evans
Nurse, Administrative Supervisor
4
Answers
Huntersville, North Carolina
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hey there,
I have worked as an RN for 10 years in mental health. Sometimes, having anxiety will effect your memory. Work on coping skills to decompress, attend therapy to help with this, if that is an option too. Work on your organization and routine. Go for walks, avoid caffeine. Journaling is wonderful! A healthy lifestyle is key. Sometimes, you can look into safe supplements and or medication, please see a professional provider and have mom/dad/guardian support you too. I hope you become empowered and experience better days so soon! Take care and KUDOS to you for looking for help.
-Amanda
I have worked as an RN for 10 years in mental health. Sometimes, having anxiety will effect your memory. Work on coping skills to decompress, attend therapy to help with this, if that is an option too. Work on your organization and routine. Go for walks, avoid caffeine. Journaling is wonderful! A healthy lifestyle is key. Sometimes, you can look into safe supplements and or medication, please see a professional provider and have mom/dad/guardian support you too. I hope you become empowered and experience better days so soon! Take care and KUDOS to you for looking for help.
-Amanda
Arissa Santos
Customer Support
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Arissa’s Answer
Hi Moises!
What you're feeling is very normal, and feeling overwhelmed doesn't have to be the end of the world! Taking the first step to ask for advice will point you in the right direction.
If your brain feels very noisy, take a moment to just breathe. Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 8. Repeat this at least three times or until you feel like things have slowed down.
We often have 5 things we can tend to have obsessive thoughts over. Maybe you're feeling stressed about school? A friendship that isn't going well? If you feel like you're overthinking, focus on only one of those thoughts first.
Then ask yourself if this is something within your control or not. If it isn't, then you can allow yourself some grace to know that at the end of the day, you are doing all you can and there isn't any reason to do more than that. If it is, try to be mindful and start by slowing down. You've got this!
As for memory exercises, try studying with your friends by teaching each other about whatever you're learning! The best way to know if you've learned something is if you're able to teach another person. The important thing is that you *understand* something rather than having memorized it. Hope this helps!
What you're feeling is very normal, and feeling overwhelmed doesn't have to be the end of the world! Taking the first step to ask for advice will point you in the right direction.
If your brain feels very noisy, take a moment to just breathe. Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 8. Repeat this at least three times or until you feel like things have slowed down.
We often have 5 things we can tend to have obsessive thoughts over. Maybe you're feeling stressed about school? A friendship that isn't going well? If you feel like you're overthinking, focus on only one of those thoughts first.
Then ask yourself if this is something within your control or not. If it isn't, then you can allow yourself some grace to know that at the end of the day, you are doing all you can and there isn't any reason to do more than that. If it is, try to be mindful and start by slowing down. You've got this!
As for memory exercises, try studying with your friends by teaching each other about whatever you're learning! The best way to know if you've learned something is if you're able to teach another person. The important thing is that you *understand* something rather than having memorized it. Hope this helps!
jen para
1
Answer
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Updated
jen’s Answer
when feeling overwhelmed is always good to ground yourself, look around you , breathe, feel the ground. also maybe turn off your phone for a little depending where you are,
Tanaka Ndoro
13
Answers
Updated
Tanaka’s Answer
To improve your memory, you need to keep studying and practice because practice makes perfect.
avoid feeling overwhelmed you need to take deep breaths and try to calm down.
avoid feeling overwhelmed you need to take deep breaths and try to calm down.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2431
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question :
Below are my suggestions :
1. Do some exercise and have sleep everyday
2. Allocate some time everyday after your school on your assignment and review the material covered in the class. If you have any question, ask the teacher in next school day
3. When doing revision, take a break of 5-10 min after 1 - 1.5 hour
4. Start revision early before assessment
5. Take deep breath and calm down first when feeling stress
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Do some exercise and have sleep everyday
2. Allocate some time everyday after your school on your assignment and review the material covered in the class. If you have any question, ask the teacher in next school day
3. When doing revision, take a break of 5-10 min after 1 - 1.5 hour
4. Start revision early before assessment
5. Take deep breath and calm down first when feeling stress
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!