Remembering to take your vitamins can be a challenge, but there are several strategies you can use to help establish a consistent routine. Here are 10 tricks to remember your vitamins:
1. Set a daily alarm: Use your phone or any other device to set a daily reminder at a specific time when you plan to take your vitamins. Choose a time that is convenient and aligns with your daily routine. I used to use this one!
2. Create visual cues: Place your vitamins in a visible location, such as next to your toothbrush or on your bedside table. Seeing them regularly will serve as a reminder to take them. My magnesium is beside my toothbrush so I remember to take it every night before bed.
3. Use pill organizers: Invest in a pill organizer or pillbox with compartments for each day of the week. Fill the compartments with your daily dose of vitamins at the beginning of the week, making it easier to track and remember. I have never done this but I fill a small container every morning and take it with me along with my lunch to remember.
4. Link it to a daily habit: Associate taking your vitamins with an existing daily habit, such as brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. By linking the two activities, you’ll be more likely to remember to take your vitamins consistently. Yes!! So my magnesium is linked to bedtime brushing. My other vitamins are linked to lunch time. For my kids, their vitamins are linked to breakfast.
5. Keep them in a convenient place: Store your vitamins in a location that is easily accessible and part of your daily routine. For example, if you have breakfast at the dining table, keep them there so you can take them with your meal. When the kids were little I bought a pretty dish that sat on the counter and kept all their vitamins in there. Pretty and convenient.
6. Utilize smartphone apps: There are various smartphone apps available that can help you track your vitamin intake and send reminders. Look for apps specifically designed for medication reminders or general health tracking.
7. Buddy up: Find an accountability partner, such as a family member or friend who also takes vitamins or medication. Check in with each other regularly to ensure you both remember to take your vitamins.
8. Create a habit streak: Use a habit tracking app or simply mark off each day on a calendar when you successfully take your vitamins. Seeing a streak of consecutive days can motivate you to maintain the habit. I have a friend who is also using journal doodling for this.
9. Make it enjoyable: Find ways to make taking your vitamins a more enjoyable experience. For example, you can choose a tasty gummy version or pair it with a small treat or glass of your favorite beverage. Ooh yes, our chewable vitamin C is pretty tasty.
10. Set a goal and reward yourself: Set a specific goal, such as taking your vitamins for 30 days straight, and reward yourself once you achieve it. The reward can be anything that motivates you, like a small treat or a fun activity.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to taking vitamins. Experiment with these strategies and find what works best for you. Which of the 10 tricks to remember your vitamins is your favourite?
If you don’t know what vitamins you should be taking or it’s been a year since you last revised your routine, now is time to book an appointment with a naturopath. Click here to book!
Dr. Whitney Young, ND