By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from Contra Costa Times, November 9, 2002
DO YOU SOMETIMES have trouble remembering what you need to do
and when to do it? If the string tied to your finger hasn't helped,
and you are weary of writing notes on your hand, consider the
following:
There is a saying, "On paper, off your mind." The act
of writing things down can free your mind from mental clutter,
and help you avoid nagging "what am I forgetting?" anxieties.
It removes the pressure of having to remember everything. Even
the dullest pencil is sharper than the sharpest mind. Time/Design
says it this way: "If you think it, ink it."
Those little pieces of paper floating around the car, house and
office will sabotage your mental recall efforts, because they
are so easily lost. Writing things down on one big list (a lined
yellow pad, for example) will help you avoid searching for scattered
notes. My friend Lynn relies heavily on her calendar/planner to
keep track of details, deadlines and communications.
I learned this from my sister-in-law, Kristen.
She wears a watch with a timer and sets it at various times during
the day to remind herself when to leave for an appointment or
make an important call.
Post-its are used with such enthusiasm, no wonder it's 3M's most
successful product. Unfortunately, they tend to multiply and,
when overly used, don't convey a sense of importance. Use a list
-- it's easier to read that than 25 separate sticky notes randomly
posted. One exception: A sticky posted at the door reminding you
to pick up your daughter's teammate on the way to the game can
be effective.
If you are away from your home or office and want
to remember to do something when you get there, call and leave
yourself a message. Or e-mail reminders to yourself.
Remember the movie "Nightshift"? The
main character played by Michael Keaton called himself an "idea
man." He carried a small recorder to make a "note to
self." Not a bad idea for those of you who are gadget-minded.
Rather than worry about getting something done, establish a specific
day or time that you will handle it. For example, one person pays
bills on Sunday nights; another picks up shirts at the laundry
on Saturdays. Routines can be comforting and free your mind from
the small stuff.
Maintaining healthy habits can help you stay sharp. A Spanish
proverb says, "A man too busy to take care of his health
is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools." Adequate
rest, exercise and good nutrition are your tools for a stronger
memory.
Stop
thinking in negatives. Focus on what you want to do, rather than
what you don't want to do. Don't put yourself down for supposed
"senior moments." Picture yourself organized and all-aware.
Making positive affirmations is a key to improving your memory.
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