Wait… What Was I Saying Again? Unpacking Forgetfulness and How to Boost Your Memory

I am honestly one of the most forgetful people you will ever meet. Sometimes I forget something as simple as where my pen is, then I walk all around the house looking until I realize that it was either somewhere very obvious or even in my hand (lmao). Even when I am talking to someone all of a sudden I can't remember what I was about to say and it is like it is right on my tongue. This happens all the time and I always wondered why so this is the perfect time to unpack it.

Reasons Why People Forget

1. Transcience

   This is the tendency to forget facts or events over time. Memory has something called use-it-or-lose-it in which memories that are used frequently are less likely to be forgotten. This reminds me of studying more for an exam. The more you revise the information (normally with a couple of days in between) the more likely you will remember it for the exam. Personally I use this all the time because I know I forget things very easily i have to have at least three revisions for an exam because the night before information goes away in that same night.

   
   

2. Absentmindedness

   This type of forgetting occurs when you don't pay close enough attention. Say for instance you are putting down your pen but you are thinking about something a task you have to do the next day or that night. So basically all your attention is not being used to complete a certain task and you are being forgetful pertaining to that task.

   
   

3. Blocking or Interference

   Someone asks you a question and the answer is right on the tip of your tongue — you know that you know it, but you just can't think of it. This is perhaps the most familiar example of blocking, the temporary inability to retrieve a memory. In many cases, the barrier is a memory similar to the one you're looking for, and you retrieve the wrong one. This competing memory is so intrusive that you can't think of the memory you want.

   
   

4. Bias

   In your memory, your perceptions are filtered by your personal biases — experiences, beliefs, prior knowledge, and even your mood at the moment. Your biases affect your perceptions and experiences when they're being encoded in your brain. So if you had a conversation with someone you do not like, your brain can embed things in that conversation that did not happen based on the fact that you are not fond of the person. I think this happens a lot, maybe something did not happen or was not said but you swear to God that you did; it may be connected to this.

   
   

5. Motivated Forgetting

   We may actively work to forget memories of traumatic or disturbing events or experiences. Painful memories can be upsetting and anxiety-provoking, so there are times when we may desire to eliminate them. Sometimes something very traumatic may have happened in your life but you can't remember it and I think this is a way of your brain trying to protect itself to save you from the anguish the experience may cause. This is definitely something I would want to do more research on or even conduct a study regarding it.

   
   

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Ways to Improve Memory Retention and Reduce Forgetfulness

Lifestyle Habits:

• Sleep:

  Prioritize good sleep, as it's crucial for consolidating memories. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. 

  
  

• Exercise:

  Regular physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain and can help improve memory. Consider activities like walking, dancing, or swimming. 

  
  

• Stress Management:

  Stress can impair memory. Practice mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or other stress-reducing techniques. 

  
  

• Healthy Diet:

  Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol. 

  
  

• Stay Hydrated:

  Proper hydration is essential for brain function. 

  
  

  Mental Engagement:

  
  

• Learn New Skills: Learning new languages, instruments, or other hobbies can stimulate brain activity and improve memory. 

• Brain Games: Engage your mind with puzzles, crosswords, and other brain training games. 

• Read: Regular reading can improve vocabulary and overall cognitive function. 

• Socialize: Interacting with others can help stimulate memory and cognitive function. 

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Thank you for reading and if you want to read more on the topic check out my sources below:

Calyx. (2024, December 12). Exercise and memory improvement - Boost your brain health. Calyx Living. https://calyxseniorliving.com/2024/04/04/boosting-brain-power-simple-exercises-to-enhance-memory/

Harvard Health. (2021, February 12). Forgetfulness — 7 types of normal memory problems. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/forgetfulness-7-types-of-normal-memory-problems

Memory - Harvard Health. (2022, March 21). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/memory

MSEd, K. C. (2025, January 24). Reasons why people forget. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/explanations-for-forgetting-2795045

Science, P. (2025, March 18). 6 ways to improve your memory. BrainHQ. https://www.brainhq.com/better-brain-health/article/brain-health/6-ways-to-improve-your-memory/