External Memory Devices
External memory devices are just that - objects outside of the body that you
use to help you remember something. People should not be embarrassed to use an external memory device. They are actually quite a good idea. They are usually easier and require less training practice. (Remembering Well).
Here, we give some examples of external memory devices. Each situation has certain strategies that work better than others. Likewise, each person has certain strategies that work better than others for them. Pick strategies that work for you and your situation.
- parking lots /garage with signs/code are helpful
- cars - can't lock doors with lights on, only lock from outside
- light/alarm when low on petrol or oil or when lights on & engine off
Organization & Ideas
- Back-up records - could be for a computer, financial papers.
- financial record
- Notebooks
- Phonebooks
- filing cabinet
- programming phones with numbers to dial for you
- note-taking
- bookmarks
- post-it notes
- Organizers
- electronic organizers
- Files
- bookmarks
- date-stamping on camera
- object organizer
- Cheque-book Manager (Gruneberg & Herrmann, 1997, p. 8)
Knowledge
- dictionary / encyclopedia
- recipe book
- notes - take them during a lecture!
- tapes - if your professor allows it, tape a lecture so you can listen to it again later.
- flashcards - repetition
- map
Alarm Devivces
For alarms for things such as cooking, be sure you will be able to hear the alarm! Portable timers are very useful.
- Credit card alarm - This is a special wallet that will sound an alarm if a credit card is taken out and it is shut without the credit card being placed back in the wallet. (Gruneberg & Herrmann, 1997, p. 82)
- Medication Reminders - Pill boxes with an incorporated alarm are available. One can put the medication inside the pill box and set the alarm that will sound when it is time to take the medication.
- Alarm clock - reminds your body to wake up
- Timer - for cooking, turning off a sprinkler, practicing an instrument, etc.
- Car finder - when you forgot where you parked, you can use this device to cause its lights to blink and or its horn to sound, so you can find your car.
- Key finder - The whistle-activated key-ring has had mixed results. It is a device that addresses a problem all of us have - losing your keys. When you whistle, the key-ring will beep so that you can find your keys. Unfortunately, it often beeps when you aren't looking for your keys but a whistle-like sound is made. (Gruneberg & Herrmann, 1997, p. 82) We suggest you learn to always place your keys in the same place instead.
Appointments / Chores
- Addressbooks
- Calendars
- List - for shopping, packing, things to do, etc.
- Nametags / Labels - in case you lose something. ... in hopes that someone will return it ..
- Smart Irons - It is not uncommon for someone to get distracted while ironing and have to leave the ironning board for a moment. Perhaps the phone rang or someone came to the door. Leaving the iron down on a piece of clothing can be dangerous - not only can it burn the piece of clothing being ironed, it could even start a fire! Fortunately, some irons are now available that will automatically turn off if left lying flat and is still for more than 30 seconds. (Gruneberg & Herrmann, 1997, p. 82)
People
- Name tages
- Photo board - This is especially good for remembering fellow staff-members.
Experiences
- diary
- camera - photographs
- video camera
- tape recorder
Messages
- White/black board (it won't get lost!)
- bulliten board
- memo pad
- post-it notes
- message machine - for the teleophone
General reminders
If these work for you, great! But beware: sometimes it is difficult to remember what the reminder was for!- watch on opposite wrist
- string on finger
- rubber band around wrist
Lost Items
If you often find yourself losing something in particular, put it in a special place. Train yourself to ALWAYS return it to this place when you are done. It is helpful if you put it in a function-related spots. For example: put your keys by the door. Put your medicine either with your food or by your toothpaste (depending on when you take your medication.
