
You already find it challenging to reply to people on time, but now you must remember to take pills too. It is the most difficult to remember to take pills, especially at the same time every day. And if you are taking multiple medicines along with vitamins, there is a high chance you will miss them. Missing your pill once is fine. But if you miss it consistently, it can cause health issues later in life.
For instance, missing even one pill for diabetes can lead to fatigue, laziness, gut issues, and more. Missing taking medicines isn't a good idea. So how do I remember to take the pills on time? By using these tried-and-tested strategies.
Strategy 1: Make it part of the routine.
Everyone has a routine that they follow every day. For instance, you may have to wash your face, drink warm water, and brush your teeth. Now you can add another step to this routine and take your medicine. When you make something a habit, it becomes easier to follow it. For example, if you take blood pressure medicine and should take it on an empty stomach, always take it 15 minutes before your first meal. If there is no time restriction, taking pills after your nightly routine of shaving and brushing can help you remember to take medicine on time.
Strategy 2: Use a pill organizer.
A pill organizer is an incredible tool for organizing medicines. It comes in sections, and you can put all the medicines for a week in it. It is perfect for people taking multiple prescriptions and for seniors. It reminds them to take medicine on time every day. Pill organizers are easy to carry in your bags and purses. Just remember, never keep two pills that look the same nearby. Put a name tag on them to ensure you know which is which.
Strategy 3: Use technology
Technological advancement has made it super easy to remember to take medicine. For instance, you can use Alexa or Siri to remind yourself to take medicines through smartphones, connected apps, or a smartwatch. Alternatively, you can also put an alarm on your phone to take medicines on time. You can also put the dosage and other instructions in the alarm. Moreover, there are many apps for prescription reminders to take medicines on time.
Strategy 4: Use the bottle as a reminder.
If you take only a few medicines, you can use the bottle as a reminder to take them on time. Put the bottles right in front of you, like in the bathroom drawer or kitchen, which you frequent often. Once you take a medicine, put the bottle upside down. It will help you remember that you have taken this medicine. Then, put every bottle upright at night to repeat the process in the morning.
Strategy 5: Create a Checklist
Create a checklist or to-do list every night. It should include taking medicines, too, along with time if a few medications are time-bound. Then, when you look at it, you will remember to take the medicines on time every morning. Also, cross it off once you complete the task. You can also use a chalkboard to remind yourself to take medicine. Erase this once you take medicine.
Strategy 6: Calendar alerts
Try this if you don't prefer to use smart devices to remember to take medicines. Use a home calendar to make the daily doses you need to take. Then, once you take the medicine, tick it off. If you use this method, be super careful. Always update it after you take the medicine to ensure you don't overdose.
Strategy 7: Take help
Asking your friends or family to remind you to take medicines is a great way to do so. It works best for seniors; you can call them or help create a pill box with all the dosages written in big font.
In the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting to take medicines is typical. But ensure you never make it a habit. Otherwise, you will be inviting severe health problems into your life. Instead, use these strategies, like using a pill organizer, an app, or making notes. All these can ensure you take all your medicines on time.