The “8-Second” Rule

Many of us may quote the “5-second” rule when grabbing an item up off the floor…calling on the convenient (if slightly unsanitary) green-light to ingest a food item we dropped on the floor, if it has been there less than 5 seconds.

While the “8-second rule” for memory may be much less familiar, we can rest assured that it (unlike the former example) is grounded by science, research, and common sense!

Research shows that it takes the brain 8-seconds to encode a memory. That, means 8-seconds of attention is required for us to encode where we set down your keys, our phone or our glasses! Try counting to 8 the next time you set down an important item, and consider what your brain needs from you to help you obtain a memory of important information.

• Practice mindfulness by counting to 8 (or counting 3 full inhales and exhales) when aiming to remember an important fact, item, location, etc.

• Improve attention through mindfulness building exercises and meditation (see our YouTube channel with a library of meditations for memory)

• Consider using color to help hold your memory on important items and locations and assisting in the encoding process.

It’s 8-seconds to a glorious memory, and potentially hours saved in searching for lost items!