Mind & Mood
Try this: Look, snap, and connect for better memory recall
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
Mnemonics, named for Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory, are techniques for recalling information.
Mnemonics use cues — such as images, acronyms, rhymes, and easy-to-recall phrases — to reinforce memories.
One type of mnemonic is called "look, snap, connect." It uses visualization, word association, and storytelling to help you solidify a memory so you can recall it later. It's a great tool for retaining details of new information.
Here's an example of how it works:
Look. Look refers to slowing down and noticing what you want to remember — for example, the fact that you parked your car in section 3B of the parking garage.
Snap. Snap means taking a mental snapshot of the item. That could be an image of the actual parking garage sign, or a more elaborate image, such as that of three bumblebees (representing the 3B section where you parked).
Connect. Connect involves connecting the image and the information you want to remember — in this case, the three bees and the garage section where you parked. Imagine the bees in your car. Then when you return to the garage and pause to remember where you parked, the image of the three bees buzzing in your car will help jog your memory.
Image: © Kagenmi/Getty Images
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
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