How to Remember directions and addresses.

Finding it hard to remember directions and addresses is not a unique problem, many of us have experienced this and still do to this day. In fact many people have no idea, when it comes to how to retaining directions for a long period of time. 
Don't worry if you're one of them, in fact you probably will be, and is the reason why you're reading this post. (He he).

Exploring new locations and places you're not familiar with can be exciting, but after you've been past the same street three times, and as your stress levels increase, you will be finding it hard to find the experience enjoyable. 

So how do you remember directions and addresses? Luckily there are some simple techniques you can use in aiding you on your quest:

1. Image linking

Try to link directions to images and put them into a story. Create images to go with: directions; street names; names of shops and other buildings; names of towns and cities etc. 

By doing this your conscious mind has a better chance at remembering them, linking one direction to the next. If you want, you can go a step further. Try to imagine the textures of the images, the taste, the smell, the feeling, the size. Making the memory as real as possible can be incredibly valuable for this type of task.

2. Acrostics

If you don't like the idea of creating images in your mind, then you can use the same technique, but with words. Join street names,landmarks and other things that stand out, into one long sentence. Your sentence doesn't have to make sense, its sole purpose is just to help  you remember. 

  

3. Repetition

Have you ever heard the phrase practice makes perfect? Well this can be applied for directions. By repeating the directions/street addresses over and over in your head, you will more than likely be able to recall them at any given time. This can be used as a 'combo' to go with tips#1 or #2.

4. Plan ahead

If you have the chance, look at a map and use the memory techniques above to help matriculate the route. Also go and actually 'do' the route, performing this will help you familiarize yourself and help you feel comfortable when you do the route for real. (Sounds a bit like revising for an exam. He he.)

5. Cheat

If you are still finding it hard to recall directions and addresses, then you could just cheat. Keep a pen and paper (or little notepad) on yourself at all times, then when you are told directions, just write them down - you'll never have the worry of trying to remember them again!