It happens in old age but it can also happen because of your mental state, being too overwhelmed, burn outs and medications can cause it – brain fog or forgetfulness. You begin to do absentminded things you otherwise may have not done before like forgetting the stove on or not remembering certain events as if they’ve been erased from memory.
I started becoming more and more absent minded last year. I started to forget simple things I would otherwise remember like why I entered a room to begin with. I started to know myself and know what I will remember (like locking the door before I leave or turning off the lights) and what I may forget (that bottle of ketchup for the fourth time at the store).
With learning about the new me came doing things a little different. I use technology new and old to help me remember the important stuff and I try to meditate to exercise my brain.
– Using technology like calendars, timers, alarms, voice notes and notepads make it that much easier to write things down and have them literally at your fingertips.
– Wall calendar’s are nice to have and can give a better visual for important dates and schedules for the forgetful folks like us. I like to use both a paper calendar and my iPhone to keep important things in mind.
– Post-it notes are a staple in my home office. I jot notes, dates, ideas, you name it and stick them around my desk. When the task is done or date has passed I simply toss them into the recycle bin. Not very eco-friendly of me but I’m old-school and that’s how we were taught. You could replace post-it’s with a dry erase board too. I just don’t have room in my little space for one.
-Telling someone. When it comes to important dates or appointments it can help to tell someone else about them. I let my partner know my schedule, he sometimes has to remind me of appointments and I also remind him of his. I even tell my mom and she reminds me. Nothing like a Mom reminder.
-Napping. Not always convenient but even a small 10 minute nap can help reboot your brain and give you a little energy in the afternoon. Too long of a nap (past 45 minutes) will definitely leave you groggy and not able to sleep that night so be cautious of what time of day to nap (1pm-4pm) and how long (10-30 mins tops). Set an alarm to wake up just in case. Either way your body and mind will thank you for taking the break.
These are just some of my own personal tips for helping your memory during a brain fog. If your memory is a serious concern it could be caused by a medical condition. Please see your doctor for proper medical advice.
