Do you find yourself losing track of your car and house keys, handbags, documents and other sundry items? Or forgetting the name of a person seconds after being introduced? Relax, these aren't early warning signals of Alzheimer's, rather it's a more common malaise-sheer forgetfulness.

Forgetfulness cannot be avoided when you are continuously dealing with new information. If you have some problem in remembering things, you may have too much on your mind or are anxious about something. In fact, the forgetfulness about little things varies from individual to individual.

There are two types of memories where the brain stores information namely short-term and long-term. The limit on short-term memory tends to be about 7 times for 30 seconds. You use short-term memory when you look at a phone number, walk to the phone and dial it. Long-term memory can store information for a lifetime. The key is to get past the 30 second limit and store information in our long term memory. When we consciously try to remember something then we encode the information in our long-term memory.

Tip 1:   Pay Attention:

Be alert even while performing tasks such as putting down the car keys or lighter. This way you will get into a habit and will remember the next time you need these things. Slow down and make an effort to remember. Do one thing at a time, giving each activity your full attention. Limit or reduce noise and interruptions- they interfere with concentration.

Tip 2:   Say It:

Get into the habit of saying things aloud or to yourself. Like when you put something away or take some action, say, "I turned off the iron." "I locked the door." When you learn a new name, repeat it: "Nice to meet you, John."

Tip 3:   Write It Down:

Doctors espouse writing and making notes as a great traditional memory tool. Notes and lists help to keep track of things, and the act of writing something down encodes the information. "Keep a note pad/diary handy so you can easily write down the mails you need to send, the exact place you parked the car or an appointment you need to make. Make a list of things you need to do at night, keep referring to it.

Tip 4:   Create an Image: 

A mental picture of a name makes it easier to recall. Close your eyes and spend a few moments fixing that image in your mind. Say it to yourself a few times. Like if you meet someone called Michael, picture him in the place where he said he stays.

Tip 5:   Use Descriptions:

To remember names, align the person's name with some trait that stands out. If you meet somebody called Elina, who has n infectious laugh, think ‘Happy Elina.' Or ‘Curly Rosy' for a girl with curly hair.

Other Methods:

There are some other techniques too that can help you cope with information overload. Give yourself reminders. Set phone alarms. Keep a calendar and mark days and time of work to be finished.

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