Psychologists have found that frequent loss of items such as keys, wallet, or glasses is often related not to poor memory, but to the peculiarities of how the brain operates at the intersection of memory and attention.
Reasons for Forgetfulness
Daniel Schachter, the author of the book "The Seven Sins of Memory", explains: when we put down an object, our thoughts are often occupied with other matters, and the brain simply does not register the action. As a result, the item "disappears" from memory, even though we clearly remember placing it.
How to Avoid Losing Things
- Designated Places for Items: designate a permanent spot for keys, wallet, glasses — over time, this will become a habit.
- Verbalization: for rarely used items, it is helpful to say out loud where and why you are placing them. This creates stronger connections in memory and helps with concentration.
When to See a Doctor
If forgetfulness interferes with daily life and is accompanied by other memory disturbances, it is better to consult a specialist. In other cases, losing things is a normal feature of the brain under multitasking conditions, which can be managed with simple habits.
