Help Me Remember to . . .

Do you have trouble remembering important things to do? You might try some of the following tips:

1. Choose exactly what you want to remember; then EXAGGERATE a story connected with it.

Example: You need to buy potatoes at the supermarket.

In your mind, pretend you are standing at the foot of a mountain, and you look up to see a huge potato teetering on the top of the mountain. About that time, it begins to roll down the mountain, and you must run to get out of its path.

More than likely, you will never forget to buy potatoes again.

2. Make up a HUMOROUS story about the next appointment you cannot afford to miss.

Example: You decide to ride your bicycle to the doctor’s office. It has been years since you have been on your bicycle. You start riding, and the traffic is terrible. You dodge cars on all sides. Then you go back home and get your car.

By then, you have forgotten where you were going. Talk to yourself and remind yourself that you need to be at Dr. What’s-His-Name’s office at 2 o’clock.

This exaggerated, humorous type of imagination should help you remember more activities than usual.

3. To help remember names.

First, be sure you hear the name correctly. If you know someone else by that name, make a mental comparison. If not, find a word that rhymes with it, if possible; then use the name. It helps!

4. If all else fails, learn to keep a “To Do List.”

Keep the list in the same place so you do not misplace it—perhaps near the door going out of your house to the garage; on the side of the refrigerator; or for women, in their purse. Be consistent.

It is okay to write things down.

5. Above all else, keep your mind active!

Read, get involved in discussions, socialize with others, and become a volunteer. Learn to use a computer. Tell fun stories to children. Do things that will keep your mind active.