03/16/2026
A mnemonic is a memory strategy that helps you remember information by turning it into something easier to recall.
Instead of trying to remember several pieces of information, a mnemonic creates a simple cue that helps trigger the information for retrieval.
Examples:
BE FAST - signs of stroke
HOMES - the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior)
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge (EGBDR) - notes on the lines of the treble clef in music
Rhymes can also act as mnemonics.
“Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November..”
Oh, and if you’re in the healthcare or medical field, the inappropriate mnemonic for the 12 cranial nerves? Yep, that’s what I remember.
Mnemonics can also be useful in everyday life.
For example:
- creating a short phrase to remember letters or numbers on your license plate
- use an acronym or cue to remember all the things you need before leaving the house
- turning a list into a word or phrase to make it easier to remember
Mnemonics tend to work best for information you need to remember over a long period of time, like concepts, steps, personal information.
For something like a grocery list that changes every week, it’s usually easier to write the list down.
Saved to the 31 Days of Real-Life Strategies highlight
