It is possible to make some memories stronger while leaving others to fade.
The strongest memories are created by very rewarding and demanding experiences, new research reveals.
However, we make these memories still stronger by replaying them repeatedly in our minds.
Each time a memory is recalled and re-lived, the neuronal activity that sustains it is strengthened.
This means that we actually edit our memories by what we choose to recall and replay.
Keep running over distressing incidents and these become stronger.
Remembering happier times, though, makes these memories stronger.
Most people (but not all) have a tendency to forget the negative and replay the positive.
This bias is sometimes called ‘the psychological immune system’.
Our minds ‘fight off’ negative memories automatically to leave us feeling happier — or at least, that is the theory.
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