We are all flooded with information all day long. In order to navigate life successfully, you have to remember many things at once. Thus, forgetful people have to deal with a lot of frustration.
But it is possible that some degree of forgetfulness can be good for your health. Why is forgetting things good for the brain?
Why Forgetfulness Can Be Good for You
Scientists say that being forgetful can improve your decision-making.
This is a fascinating new discovery. After all, it makes sense to associate better memory with success. However, it seems that forgetfulness can be good for the brain.
So why does forgetting things help us make better choices?
In order to make a good decision, you need to have a comprehensive view of your situation. Thus, you can’t focus too much on the details. Your thoughts are quicker and sharper if you forget irrelevant data.
But what is the science behind this discovery?
The Science of Forgetting
The hippocampus is responsible for storing memories. They’re stored in the form of neural pathways.
If you want to keep a memory sharp, you need to revisit it often. After all, that is the only way to keep your neural pathways engaged.
But researchers have found that new neurons forming in this part of your brain have a surprising effect. They actually speed up the process of forgetting.
Why is this useful? In order to be successful, you need to be able to form new memories. Outdated memories will merely confuse you.
A Final Word
Excessive forgetting can be very inconvenient. It could even be the first symptom of a disorder. But being slightly forgetful could improve your decision-making process.
