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Mnemonics, or memory mnemonics as they are sometimes called, are one of the most popular memory techniques being used today.
These are memory-serving aids typically used to remember a list of items or elements. Acronyms, acrostics or lyrical rhymes are commonly used examples of these memory techniques.
By remembering the rhyme or acronym, it becomes easier to remember the information they are intended to convey, than otherwise. Repetition and association memory techniques are typically used to remember the mnemonic devices and to associate the actual information to them.
Examples of Mnemonics
One of the most common of these memory techniques uses an acronym as a means to recollect the order of colors in a rainbow – ROY G BIV (or VIBGYOR) – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet.
Here are examples of few more of such memory mnemonics.
However, use caution while using these memory techniques as the mnemonic devices themselves are generally unrelated to the actual information you want to remember.
Using Memory Mnemonics in Everyday Life
While the above techniques are good for remembering snippets of information, you can use similar “memory aid” techniques to remember little everyday things in your life.
Check out 5 easy ideas below to reduce forgetfulness in your daily life.
TIP 1
One of the most common things people misplace in their homes is keys. By putting them in exactly the same spot every day, say on a hook by the front door, as soon as you come in through the door, you are setting that location as a “memory aid” for yourself.
Now whenever you want to locate the keys, you don’t have to “remember” where you put them. Even if you have not consciously paid attention when placing the keys there, you still know they are there because of the habit you have formed by doing it everyday.
TIP 2
Another frequently occurring situation is forgetting something that you need to take with you, when going out or upstairs (or downstairs).
To avoid this, place the things you need to take with you, right by the front door (or next to the stairs, as the case may be), as soon as you think about them.
By doing that, you don’t need to “remember” to take them with you anymore. When it is time go out or upstairs, those things are there as “memory aids” when you walk by the front door or stairs, and you automatically pick them up.
TIP 3
Another example is putting together a grocery or shopping cart list.
Instead of trying to recollect all the items you want to buy, making a list of those items and adding to that list as soon as you think up an item is the most foolproof way to not forget buying something you need.
Most people already do this kind of list. If you didn’t get a chance to do this at all before you leave, you can come up with your own mnemonic by using say the starting letters for all the items you plan to buy. Remember that and use it later to recall the individual items.
TIP 4
Using sticky notes is another excellent “mnemonic” method that most of us probably already use to let one thing “remind” us of another.
A sticky note on the bathroom mirror to remind you to take your morning medicine, a sticky note on your car steering wheel to remind you to pick up milk on your way home from work are all good examples of such “memory aids”.
TIP 5
In this age of technology, a computer or cell phone can serve as a “virtual sticky note” with software programs that can give you alerts for appointments or other important dates. Take a looks at apps such as Evernote, To-Doist, or even the simple Notes app built into your phone.
Use these tips above fully to your advantage to help you be your resourceful best everyday.
