Why do I forget appointments even if I write them down?

Forgetting appointments is a common frustration, even when we write them down. There are several reasons why this happens.

First, our brains can get overwhelmed with information. We’re constantly bombarded with tasks, notifications, and commitments. When we write down an appointment, it might not stick in our memory because we’re already thinking about the next thing on our to-do list.

Stress and lack of sleep can also play a big role. When we’re stressed or tired, our brains don’t function as well. This can make it harder to remember things, even if we’ve written them down.

Sometimes, we might write down an appointment but not look at our calendar regularly. If we don’t review our schedule often, we can easily miss upcoming events.

Another factor is how we write down appointments. If we jot them down quickly without much detail, our brain might not process the information deeply enough to remember it later.

Time blindness, which is common in people with ADHD, can also contribute to forgetting appointments. This means having trouble perceiving the passage of time accurately, making it hard to plan for future events.

Our brains also tend to focus more on immediate tasks rather than future ones. This can cause us to forget about appointments that aren’t happening right away.

Lastly, as we age, our memory naturally declines a bit. This can make it harder to keep track of appointments, even when we write them down.

To help remember appointments better, try using multiple reminders, like phone alerts and sticky notes. Review your calendar regularly and add more details to each appointment entry. Also, try to reduce stress and get enough sleep to keep your brain functioning well.

If you find yourself consistently forgetting important appointments despite these strategies, it might be worth talking to a doctor. They can check if there’s an underlying issue affecting your memory and provide more specific advice.