# Using your non-dominant hand to improve memory and imagination

**URL:** <https://forum.artofmemory.com/t/using-your-non-dominant-hand-to-improve-memory-and-imagination/29732>\
**Category:** General Memory Chat\
**Created:** [August 13, 2014, 5:59pm UTC](https://forum.artofmemory.com/t/using-your-non-dominant-hand-to-improve-memory-and-imagination/29732 "2014-08-13T17:59:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![raykidwell](https://forum.artofmemory.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@raykidwell](https://forum.artofmemory.com/u/raykidwell)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 5:59pm UTC](https://forum.artofmemory.com/t/using-your-non-dominant-hand-to-improve-memory-and-imagination/29732/1 "2014-08-13T17:59:25Z")

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Here are two article that describe increased memory in people who practice using their non-dominant hand:

[http://www.nwitimes.com/niche/shore/health/using-your-other-hand-benefits-your-brain/article\_6da931ea-b64f-5cc2-9583-e78f179c2425.html](http://www.nwitimes.com/niche/shore/health/using-your-other-hand-benefits-your-brain/article_6da931ea-b64f-5cc2-9583-e78f179c2425.html)

> **[Lucia Capacchione (805) 546-1424 lucia@luciac.com](http://www.luciac.com/index.php/shop/8-books-articles/64-the-power-of-your-other-hand)**

This article talks about:  
Increased memory if you squeeze the right hand while memorizing  
Increased imagination if you squeeze the left hand

> **[Squeeze a Ball With Your Left Hand to Increase Creativity](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201304/squeeze-ball-your-left-hand-increase-creativity)**
>
> Neuroscientists have discovered that you can activate different brain hemispheres—and alter cognitive function to improve memory and creativity—simply by squeezing a ball with either your left or right hand.

I am going to use my non-dominant hand more for the next 6 weeks to see if I notice a difference  
I am also going to squeeze a hand when I am trying to remember a difficult scene/sequence  
anyone else want to join me, and we can report our experience?

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**Author:** ![r30](https://forum.artofmemory.com/user_avatar/forum.artofmemory.com/r30/32/504_2.png) [@r30](https://forum.artofmemory.com/u/r30)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 6:43pm UTC](https://forum.artofmemory.com/t/using-your-non-dominant-hand-to-improve-memory-and-imagination/29732/2 "2014-08-13T18:43:18Z")

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Interesting finding, raykidwell!

I always like to memorize stuff with my fingertips of opposite hands touching each other and in this position I tend to bend my fingers up and down. I have noticed that this helps me to recall and visualize images more easily and prevents getting sleepy in my memory palaces _(i.e. stuck in one specific locus trying to recall an image)_. According to your study it may be because both palms are active _(they apply pressure to each other)_ - right hand stimulates left hemisphere and gives better and faster recall, left hand activates right hemisphere and enables me to produce new images in more detail.

I’m going to give a try to writing with my left hand.

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**Author:** ![raykidwell](https://forum.artofmemory.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@raykidwell](https://forum.artofmemory.com/u/raykidwell)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 6:57pm UTC](https://forum.artofmemory.com/t/using-your-non-dominant-hand-to-improve-memory-and-imagination/29732/3 "2014-08-13T18:57:35Z")

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I am going to:  
Spend 5 minutes a day writing with non-dominant hand  
Spend 5 minutes a day squeezing a ball with each hand independently (not at the same time)  
Using a one hand squeeze technique during memorizing and recalling difficult areas

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**Author:** ![FuchsiaPseudonym](https://forum.artofmemory.com/user_avatar/forum.artofmemory.com/fuchsiapseudonym/32/2538_2.png) [@FuchsiaPseudonym](https://forum.artofmemory.com/u/FuchsiaPseudonym)\
**Post date:** [August 11, 2016, 4:11pm UTC](https://forum.artofmemory.com/t/using-your-non-dominant-hand-to-improve-memory-and-imagination/29732/4 "2016-08-11T16:11:57Z")

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I wonder if the percentage of left-handed mnemonists is higher than in the general population. I’ve read that left-handed people are naturally more creative because left-hand dominance is linked to the brain’s right hemisphere (said to be the brain’s seat of creativity).