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As someone who has been taking birth control pills for almost 10 years, trust me when I say that remembering to take these little suckers can be hard. Despite the fact that I’ve had plenty of time to get into a solid routine, I still have trouble remembering to take my pill almost every day. Seriously, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can remember tiny details like what I was wearing the day I met my boyfriend or exactly what my best friend said to me about some juicy gossip two weeks ago, but I can’t remember to take this little pill at the same time every day.
I’ve done countless things to help keep my birth control pills in the back of my mind because I know how important it is to take them at the same time every day. I mean, your chances of getting pregnant are increased! Plus, my stress levels go through the roof. A few months ago, I somehow forgot to take my pill three days in a row, and when the time came for my period to come and it was late, I had a mini panic attack. So not worth it.
Girls, I can’t be alone here. So if you’re like me, wondering how you can get your brain to remember these pills, I’ve got some tips for you that may help you out. Check out these 7 ways to remember to take your birth control pills… you’ll thank me when you’re not pregnant:
Set An Alarm On Your Phone
This is by far the easiest way to remember your pills. I especially love my iPhone alarm, because it goes off forever until you turn it off yourself, meaning I can't just ignore it. Set a daily reminder for yourself at the exact time you're supposed to take your pill - I promise it works.
Set Another Alarm For 20 Minutes Later
While the alarm trick seems completely obvious, it sometimes fails. Like when you're in the middle of doing something and you quickly turn it off and then an hour goes by and you realize you completely forgot it ever went off. That's why a second reminder (if you're especially forgetful) is important. Set it for 20-30 minutes later than the original alarm and when it goes off, you're going to be like, "OMG thank God for this daily snooze button." Trust me.
Check It Off On A Calendar
Personally, I've always found that the act of actually writing (or slashing) something down makes me remember better. Keep a little calendar in your room in a visible area and once you take your pill, check off the date. If you forget, you'll eventually take a glance at the calendar, notice you didn't check off the date and take your pill. Voila.
Get Someone Else To Remind You
If you have a boyfriend, it's just as important to him that you take your pill as it is to you. So it's kind of, sort of, his job to remind you. Have him set his own alarm, or just ask him to ask you about the pill every day. No significant other in your life? Ask your bestie or your mom to remind you.
Incorporate It Into Your Daily Routine
Try taking your pill at the same time as something else you do every day, like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. If it becomes part of your morning or night routine, it'll be much easier to keep in mind. Before long, you'll be taking it without even thinking about it.
Take Your Pill In The Same Spot At A Convenient Time
The best times to take your pill are either first thing in the morning or last thing at night. It's way easier to remember to take this little guy if it's the first thing you do every morning. Trying to remember to take it in the middle of the day, when you could be literally anywhere, is much more difficult. This also makes it easier to take it in the same spot every day - keeping your pills handy next to your bed ensures they'll be the first thing you see.
Write A Reminder On A Sticky Note
For those of you who need a seriously visual reminder, write "Take Your Pill" in big, bold letters on a stick note and leave it on something you see every day. Your bathroom mirror is a perfect spot.
Do you have trouble remembering to take your pill? How do you remind yourself? Which of these tips will you try? Tell us in the comments!
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