It’s easy to feel only those who are growing older are forgetful. But that’s just not so! The growing complexities of life mean everyone has too much to remember, which is why younger, as well as older folk are turning to inventive memory joggers. Below are just a few which people of all ages use to keep their busy lives running smoothly.
Meals
Keep a diary of tasty meals. Whenever you find you have really enjoyed a meal, note it in the diary. If it’s a frozen or instant meal, snip off the label and stick it in, along with a note of where you purchased it. Do the same with a takeaway meal (including the till receipt can remind you of the price, and assist in weekly budgeting). If your meal was homemade, note down the ingredients you need to have on hand next time you make it. Meal reminders can be fun to look back on, as well as time-saving and appetite-stimulating.
Shopping lists
We are creatures of habit, and most of our grocery items are purchased on a regular basis – which is why it’s so infuriating to forget the essentials when we head to the supermarket. Instead of writing a new shopping list each week, create one listing all the items you usually have in your pantry, fridge, fruit bowl, veggie bin, laundry, and bathroom. Duplicate this list in printed form (easy to do if you create it on your device). Before you leave home, simply check your shelves, and place a tick beside the items you need to buy. Update your list from time to time to include regular new purchases.
Mix it up
Lists are helpful, but only if we continue to ‘see’ them. If you’re popping a sticky reminder note on your fridge or door, then failing to notice it after a day or two, move it to a new, unique spot (such as the handle of your toothbrush, the side of your hand bag, or your pillow. Or transfer the information to a different coloured sticky note (stickies come in all colours, sizes, and cute shapes). Changing the position and look of your notes helps keep them fresh in your mind.
Check lists
Atul Gawande is the author who made ‘check lists’ famous, showing the world how important these reminders are when it comes to getting things right – even in operating theatres! If your memory needs jogging, pop a quick check list (and pen) where it’s required. For example, clip a luggage tag and pen to your key ring to remind you, when you go out, to take necessary items such as: your phone, house keys, medication, shopping list. Tape a check list and pencil to your shower door, reminding you to: take out your hearing aids, pop down the slip proof mat, have your phone within reach (to call for help if required), and to have your towel handy. Check lists are so useful – but only if you work your way through the list methodically (with a pen or pencil) each and every time you refer to it!
Phone alarm
Did you know you can set the alarm on your mobile phone to sound week after week (or day after day) at the same time? You can also set it to sound several times in a single day. This makes your mobile phone alarm a valuable tool when it comes to remembering regular ‘to-do’s’ such as taking medication, exercising, drinking liquids, monitoring blood sugar, or eating timely meals and snacks.
Linked digital calendars
Many of us are now using the free digital calendars on our devices to aid our memories. These devices send us reminders via mobile phone alerts or emails. The reminders can even come with an accompanying sound, if we choose, to double the reminder impact. But did you know it’s also possible to link our own reminders to a friend or family member’s digital calendar? That’s right – your own reminder to, for example, take medication or collect a child from school, can also pop up on your friend or loved one’s device. At which stage, they can give you a call to check you followed through with the reminder. This is something which can help everyone rest easy.
Far from ruling our life, reminders help us live the life we want to. Don’t be afraid to use them in as many ways as you feel are helpful!