We may forget things when we are interrupted or do not categorize what we are told or read. Stress, chronic illness, and the aging process may also affect our memory.
Logic plays a part in memory. You can use reason to figure out what comes next and what you may be forgetting.
Internal memory aids can help you recall names and other information. For example, perhaps you cannot remember street names. Sometimes the signs are too small or obscured by trees making it impossible to read them. This is when recalling landmarks around your destination can come in handy. Actively observe what is in the area. When you go there again you have the landmarks as a backup if you cannot remember the street name.
Repeat something silently or out loud as many times as necessary.
Think of first letter cues (acronyms) to make lists for groceries and chores. For example, WASH::
- Wash the deck
- Arrange the furniture
- Set the table
- Heat the grill
Create a picture in your mind. To remember the name Bill Appleby, picture a dollar bill, an apple, and the letter "B."
Rhymes that are well known are very helpful. For example, “30 days has September, April, June, and November.”
If you are at the grocery store and know you forgot something, try to remember the category in which it falls, like dairy, meat, vegetables or other.
It is said opposites attract. Try to make an association that is opposite of what you want.
Many times when people forget a word they can retrieve it by thinking about where they typically see the object, what they see around the object, who they saw around the object, and when they saw it. Any or all of these may serve as prompts to retrieve the word.
Use the recall strategies that work for you. A different approach may be required for different situations. Give yourself time to refresh your memory. If you find yourself too stressed, think about it later.
