Has your memory been playing tricks on you lately? Perhaps you’re so busy and frazzled that you’ve found that you just don’t remember everything that you used to?
While some forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, if you have found that your memory isn’t quite what it used to be, there are some tricks tips to help improve your memory:
-- Get organized. Make your own in- box for bills and other mail that you need to tend to. Make the commitment to go through your in-box daily. Keep an idea notebook handy to jot down things you plan to buy or to remind yourself of books you want to read. Rid yourself of extra clutter and organize your living area so you know where everything is.
-- Make a list. List making is a great way to help jog your memory. Make a grocery list and errand to-do list. Keep your list in the same spot every day and cross off items as you complete them. Avoid keeping multiple lists all over the house-- one central location is best so you will always know where to find your list.
-- Keep one calendar. Try to avoid using more than one calendar at work and at home. If you work outside the home, keep all of your business and personal information in a day planner or a handheld PDA. The goal is to have all of your important data in one place so you can access it no matter where you are.
-- Repeat names. Do you find that you forget someone’s name the minute you’re introduced to them? Try repeating the person’s name out loud after you meet them-- this will help to keep their name on your mind. When you’re on the telephone talking to a business person or acquaintance, jot down the name of the person you are talking to.
-- Remember medications. You don’t want to forget to take important medications, so use some tricks to trigger your memory. Keep nighttime medications by your toothbrush so you will see the medicine bottle before you go to bed. Keep morning medications by your coffeemaker or some other prominent place in your kitchen. Be sure to take your medications at the same time every day.
-- Send yourself a message. If you are away from home, use modern technology to send yourself a reminder at home. Send yourself e-mails or leave a voicemail message for yourself.
--Schedule appointments for one day. Spend one day taking care of annual dental and doctor appointments-- if everything is scheduled for one day you will be less likely to forget your appointments.
--Check your diet. Poor eating habits affect all aspects of your health, and recent research indicates that a poor diet can be detrimental to your memory as well. Eat a well-balanced diet full of lean protein, fruits and vegetables to help give your memory a boost. In addition, avoid leading a sedentary lifestyle and make it a point to get some form of exercise every day.
--Work your brain. Instead of vegetating in front of the television all day, challenge your brain with crossword puzzles or brain teasers. Just as your body needs exercise, your brain needs a daily workout as well!
--Consult with you doctor. Finally, if you find that your memory is getting increasingly worse, consult with your doctor. You may have an underlying medical condition that needs professional treatment.
