In today’s evolving world, technology has become a central part of our lives. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself these questions–When was the last time you saw someone walking around without a phone in hand? Driving without a GPS? Or better  yet, when was the last time you went without looking at your phone or computer for one whole day?

Let’s face it:  we rely on technology to keep us going. Modern conveniences have made our lives so much easier, but like anything great, there may be a downside. According to this article, while technology has helped us stay organized and efficient, it’s not always the best for our memory. Some of us rely so heavily on our smartphones, GPS and computers that we almost forget how to do things ourselves, or even worse, we never learn at all.

Here are a few tips to help you increase your memory and your independence:

-Write things down: The physical act of writing helps you learn and remember what you wrote, so when the time comes, you’re always prepared.

-Learn from technology: Instead of simply letting technology do the work for you, observe and see how it is done–this way you might not need your GPS for that next trip.

-Memorize: Make a conscious effort to remember things that are important even if it means pure memorization.

To stay up to date on all the new and innovative happenings at Gunn|Jerkens, check back often, follow us on Twitter (@GunnJerkens) and “Like” us on Facebook.