In today’s society, the use of cellphones, pagers, faxes, teleconferencing, computers and hand-held devices is seriously compromising your memory. Practice these things to keep your memory skills keen during a media and tech blitz:
Avoid multitasking, like talking on the phone while e-mailing, or watching TV while reading. Divided attention dampens memory. Be selective. Be exclusive.
Finish each project before moving on to the next. If that’s impossible, make a clean break as you move back and forth. For example, stand up and stretch.
Keep your cellphone and pager turned off when you don’t absolutely need to be in touch.
Check e-mail and phone-mail messages a few times a day, not continuously.
Watch TV selectively. Don’t watch just to see “what’s on.”