Despite the best of intentions, many people forget to take their medication as prescribed. When life gets busy, it is easy to let these tasks slip your mind. Unfortunately, forgetting to take important medication on time can have a significant impact on your overall wellness, particularly if you struggle with chronic health conditions.

Here are a few proven tips to help to keep you on track so that you do not miss a dose.

Keep an Updated List

If you are juggling multiple medications each day, it is vital that you keep an updated list of everything that you need to take. This list should include both prescribed and over-the-counter medications. In addition to the traditional way of keeping a notebook detailing all of your meds with the prescribed doses, there are also a number of smartphone apps that make this task even easier. Be sure to update your list every time that your medication routine changes.

Make a Calendar

Many people also find it helpful to keep a calendar that details when all of your refills are due. While many pharmacies have automatic refill programs, a calendar that reminds you to order your meds can be helpful if you often find that you are running low. You should put the reminder on the calendar one week prior to the prescription running out. It is also a good idea to look into a prescription mail service if you find yourself forgetting to order your prescriptions in time. Not only will you typically save money by ordering in bulk, but the shipments will be automatic so that you do not forget.

Use a Pillbox

It may seem old-fashioned, but a pillbox labeled with each day of the week is a great tool to have in your arsenal. These pillboxes are a good idea for people who often forget if they took their medication each morning. Be sure to ask your pharmacist or doctor if the pills can be removed from the packaging in advance of use. Some pills will begin to lose their potency if taken out of the blister packs. You will also need to keep the pillbox away from heat, light, and moisture so that the medications do not lose their effectiveness if exposed.

Create a Routine

You cannot expect to remember to take every dose if you do not have a routine in place. Creating a routine that encourages you to take your medications at the same time every day will help in this endeavor. You will find the most success if you structure this routine to match the activities that you know you will perform each day. For example, perhaps you want to take your morning medications with your daily coffee each day? Taking your nightly medications at the same time that you brush your teeth will make it a habit to reach for those pills before you climb in bed. By tying your medication to your everyday tasks, it will be more likely to become a long-term habit.

Leave Yourself Notes

If you are really struggling with remembering to take your medication each day, consider leaving yourself reminder notes where you are most likely to see them. For example, a sticky note affixed to your bathroom mirror will trigger your brain to take that medication before heading out for the day. Or try putting a note card on your nightstand to serve as a reminder to take that evening medication.

Other Miscellaneous Tips

In today's connected world, your smartphone can be used to help you to remember to take your medication on time. Simply set an alarm for the times of the day that you need to take your pills so that it never slips your mind. Another easy way to remember if you have taken your medication is to turn the bottle upside down each time you take a dose. You can then flip it upright at the end of each day to remind yourself to start again in the morning.

While skipping a dose of medication may seem harmless, the effects can quickly add up if you are not on top of this routine. These tips will help you remember to take your medications as directed so that your health does not suffer the consequences.