How to remember what you usually forget?
So you’ve forgotten where you put your room keys, trouble recalling the name of someone you met previously, and you can’t remember why you opened the refrigerator? At times everyone has problems remembering.
I am one of those having memory lapses. I always forget where I put my stethoscope. I even lost my first one - I must have left it at the ER, at the nurse’s station, or at the patient’s room, I don’t know. I only had my notebook in my hand but couldn’t recall where my stethoscope go. A friend of mine, was consoling me and gave me a good advice: “Always put the important things first.” Since then, I always make sure that the stethoscope has my first hold when leaving a place.
So how to remember what you usually forget?
1. Names. When you meet someone, repeat the person’s name aloud as soon as you can. Say, “Nice to meet you, Jack.” Then look closely at him and repeat his name silently to yourself 10 times.
2. Numbers. Break long numbers down into meaningful chunks. For instance, checking account number 1048630, is easier to remember if you think of it as 10:48 (time for midmorning break) and 6:30 (dinner time). You can also associate numbers with special dates such as you birthday or anniversary.
3. Shopping lists. Visualize your house with a giant version of each item in various rooms: a huge egg in the kitchen, a big loaf of bread in the bedroom, etc. When shopping, mentally scan your house to recall your list. But the best technique still is doing your shopping list.
4. Household chores and errands. Don’t try to remember that you must mail a letter. Instead, place the letter near the door so you will see it as you leave. Putting a bulletin board near the door is recommended.
5. Mnemonics and acronyms. Make up a verse or phrase to remember facts. A well known acronym is ROY G. BIV for the rainbow colors.
In medical school, one of the most frequent questions we get from the consultant is naming the 12 cranial nerves. We have different versions of it - the naughty and nice. It’s pathetic we can recall these nerves through the naughty acronym. 
6. Visualize. A mental image is a picture you make up that includes the information you want to remember. Making up images is a very good way to learn and to recall. For instance, if you park your car in spot 4B, think of four bananas.
7. Write it down. In a survey of memory experts, their top technique for not forgetting was the simplest - makes notes. Writing forces you to focus your attention and also provides a backup in case your memory fails. Some people recall the appearance of the note, and then they remember the items on it.
