How many times, after leaving the house, has attacked from doubt: Is the door locked? Is the oven off? Has the refrigerator remained open? This feeling of uncertainty can turn into an annoying anxiety, pushing many to go back only to control.
This is not an isolated case: many are experiencing this same situation, as shown by the numerous online discussions on this problem. Luckily, There are simple and effective tricks to avoid being overwhelmed by insecurity And to say goodbye to the anxious door anxious.
The 5 strategies to remember to have closed the door before going out
The anxiety not to remember if the door has been closed is a widespread problem, but There are simple solutions to eliminate it permanently. Associating the action to a film, declaring it aloud, using technology or adopting an unusual gesture are all effective strategies to strengthen the memory.
Small tricks that can make the difference and allow you to leave the house without stress and without second thoughts.
Associate the closure of the door with a film title for a more vivid memory
One of the most curious advice comes from the Reddit R/LifeProtips forum, where a user suggests pronounce the title of a film when closing the door. An idea based on associative memory: connecting an action to a family and distinctive element, like the name of a film, helps to remember it better.
Say aloud “Forrest Gump” or “The godfather” Immediately after turning the key it can make the memory more clearly. However, someone raises a question: “What if the next day was confused with the title of the day before?”. A small risk that can be avoided by choosing very different titles every time.
Declare the action aloud: a direct and effective method
Simpler and more immediate it is clearly say the action that is being made. Several people confirm that pronouncing aloud phrases like “I closed the door” or “The gas is off” strengthens the awareness of the act just accomplished.
This method is also used in the workplace: those who close shops or offices often verbalize the action to avoid doubts later. A user said he adopted this strategy at the end of his shop, saying every evening “The door is closed”so as not to have rethinking during the night.
Take a photo or record a video: the test that deletes any doubt
Technology can be a great ally against anxious door anxiety. Take a photo or record a video while you leave the house provides immediate visual test to consult in case of doubt.
A habit adopted by many, especially before long trips. Some users say they film each room to verify that lights, stoves and electrical devices are offconcluding with the resumption of closing the door. An effective method to free yourself from anxiety and enjoy the day without thoughts.
Create an unusual gesture to make the action more memorable
Another effective method is to put a gesture to close the door unusual and out of the ordinaryin order to fix the action in memory.
A user shared his personal strategy: Give a quick pinch to a buttock after turning the key. It may seem a bizarre habit, but science confirms that A singular and unusual action helps the brain to better record the moment.
It is not necessary to choose an eccentric gesture: also beating your hands, touching a specific object or performing a particular movement It can be useful. The important thing is that it is something distinctive and repeatable every time.
Understand the functioning of the memory for strengthening the memory
A study conducted in 2024 by Rice University of Houstonpublished in the magazine Neurobiology of Learning and Memoryanalyzed the way the brain selects the most significant memories.
During the experiment, 38 participants were subjected to a mnemonic test in which images were shown, some new and others already seen. The results have shown that The most significant images were the most easily rememberedbut This effect tended to vanish within 24 hours.
According to the researcher Stephanie Leal, The brain automatically eliminates the least relevant details to make room for new information. For this reason, make the closure of the door A more significant action through unusual words, images or gestures It can help fix it better in memory.
