15 Genius Ways to Never Forget Anything Again

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In our fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to let important information slip through the cracks of our memory. Whether it’s forgetting to pick up milk on the way home or blanking on a crucial work deadline, memory lapses can range from mildly annoying to downright disastrous. I have ADHD and autism, among other neurodivergencies, so memory is a real issue for me, and one that I work on constantly, using many of these cognitive psychology techniques I describe here.

Our brains are capable of remarkable feats of memory – we just need the right tools and techniques. By incorporating these 15 genius memory hacks into your daily routine, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can remember. Say goodbye to sticky notes plastered everywhere and hello to a sharper, more reliable memory.

Create a Memory Palace

Imagine a familiar place, like your home, and use it to store information. Assign each piece of information to a specific location within this mental space. When you need to recall the information, simply take a mental walk through your “palace”. This technique, also known as the Method of Loci, has been used since ancient times and is incredibly effective for remembering lists or sequences of information. To enhance this method, make your mental images as vivid and unusual as possible – the more outlandish, the more memorable they’ll be.

Use Acronyms and Mnemonics

Turn information into memorable phrases or words. For example, “Every Good Boy Does Fine” helps musicians remember the lines of the treble clef (EGBDF). Create your own mnemonics for information you need to remember. The sillier or more outrageous, the better – your brain remembers unusual things more easily. For maximum effect, combine mnemonics with visual imagery to create powerful memory aids that stick in your mind.

Practice Spaced Repetition

Instead of cramming information all at once, space out your learning over time. Review new information after an hour, then a day, then a week, and so on. This technique takes advantage of how your brain consolidates memories, making them stick for the long term. Apps like Anki can help you implement this method effortlessly. As you progress, gradually increase the intervals between reviews to strengthen your long-term retention.

Write It Down – By Hand

The act of writing engages more of your senses and helps cement information in your memory. Ditch the laptop and grab a pen and paper when you really need to remember something. The physical act of writing creates stronger neural connections than typing, making recall easier later on. For an extra boost, try using different coloured pens or drawing small illustrations alongside your notes to create more vivid mental associations. Yes, it’s old school, but this one is my absolute favourite and the very simplest way to really remember stuff. I have paper notes and it’s everywhere. I find the act of writing – of really engaging with the thing I need to remember – the whole experience, the feel of the pen, the sound and texture of the way it moves across the page, the smell, the way the ink flows and appears from beneath the nib as if by magic – that whole experience helps me remember what I was working on later.

Use the Chunking Method

Break large pieces of information into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, remember a phone number as three separate groups of numbers instead of one long string. This technique works because our brains are wired to remember patterns and groups more easily than individual pieces of information. Apply this method to other types of information too, like breaking down a long list of tasks into categories or grouping vocabulary words by theme when learning a new language.

Teach What You’ve Learned

Explain a concept to someone else, even if it’s just your cat or a rubber duck. Teaching forces you to organise information in your mind and identify gaps in your understanding. This process, known as the “protégé effect”, strengthens your own grasp of the material and makes it more memorable. To maximise this effect, try explaining the same concept in different ways or to different audiences, adapting your explanation each time. And do it out loud. Don’t just type it like you’re going to do a presentation or run through it in your head. Be weird. Speak aloud, even if it really is just to your cat. 

Create Mind Maps

Draw diagrams that visually represent information and the connections between different ideas. Start with a central concept and branch out with related subtopics. This visual approach taps into your brain’s natural ability to recognise patterns and relationships, making complex information easier to remember and recall. Enhance your mind maps by using colours, symbols, and images to represent different concepts and connections.

Use All Your Senses

Engage as many senses as possible when trying to remember something. If you’re studying a new language, listen to native speakers, write out phrases, say them aloud, and even act them out. The more senses you involve, the more neural pathways you create, making the information easier to recall later. Try associating specific scents or tastes with certain information – the unique sensory connection can serve as a powerful memory trigger.

Practice Mindfulness

Being present in the moment can significantly improve your ability to remember things. When you’re fully engaged, you’re more likely to encode information effectively. Try mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or body scans to sharpen your focus and boost your memory. Incorporate brief mindfulness breaks throughout your day, especially before tackling important tasks or information you need to remember.

Get Enough Sleep

Your brain needs sleep to consolidate memories. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. During sleep, your brain processes and stores information from the day, moving short-term memories into long-term storage. Skimp on sleep, and you’re likely to forget more. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve the quality of your sleep and, consequently, your memory.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, promoting the growth of new brain cells and improving overall cognitive function. Even a brisk 20-minute walk can boost your memory and concentration. Make exercise a regular part of your routine to keep your brain sharp and your memory strong. Try incorporating activities that challenge both your body and mind, like dancing or learning a new sport, for an extra cognitive boost. This is one I need to improve on. I walk a lot because I have dogs, but I need to do more. I’ve incorporated some yoga and rebounding, but I think I’d like to learn something more complex to give myself a physical and mental challenge. 

Use the Link Method

Connect pieces of information by creating a story or visual image that links them together. The more bizarre or funny the connection, the easier it will be to remember. For example, if you need to remember to buy eggs, milk, and bread, imagine a chicken driving a milk truck and crashing into a giant loaf of bread. Practice creating these links quickly in your daily life, and you’ll find it becomes second nature, making it easier to remember all sorts of information on the fly.

Eat a Brain-Boosting Diet

Fuel your brain with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Blueberries, fatty fish, nuts, and dark leafy greens are all excellent choices. A well-nourished brain functions better, improving your ability to form and recall memories. Consider starting your day with a brain-boosting breakfast like porridge topped with berries and walnuts. Stay hydrated too – even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function and memory.

Use Technology Wisely

While it’s tempting to rely on your smartphone for everything, use it as a supplement to your memory, not a replacement. Set reminders for important tasks, but also try to remember them on your own. Use note-taking apps to jot down ideas quickly, but review your notes regularly to reinforce the information in your memory. Consider using apps that combine multiple memory techniques, like spaced repetition and active recall, to enhance your learning and retention.

Practice Active Recall

Instead of passively re-reading information, test yourself regularly. Create flashcards, quiz yourself, or try to explain concepts without looking at your notes. This active engagement with the material strengthens neural pathways and makes the information more accessible when you need it. The more you practice recalling information, the easier it becomes. Challenge yourself by attempting to recall information in different contexts or applying it to new situations to deepen your understanding and memory.