“Memories are contrary things; if you quit chasing them and turn your back, they often return on their own.” (Stephen King)
It’s hard to enjoy your lucid dreams if you don’t remember them once you wake up. Remembering your dreams takes practice because we rarely need dream recall skills in our adult lives. Here are ten tips to better enhance your dream recall:
Don’t Panic
If you don’t remember your dreams in perfect detail – who is going to know? Just work with what you have and let the skies fall. If you can’t remember anything, try again tomorrow night or when your life is a little less hectic.
Don’t Drink Alcohol Before Bed
Many people to indulge in a bit of the hard stuff in order to get drowsy, but alcohol can literally take your dreams away. Yes, you still dream, but you’ll sleep so deeply that the chances of remembering anything from those dreams are slight.
Don't Move When You Wake Up
When you realize you are awake, don't move. First, try and recall the dream or a good chunk of it. Once that's in your head, THEN you can move. When possible, plan on taking 10 or 15 minutes to wake up rather than leap right out of bed. Then write a brief synopsis of your dream or talk about it on a tape recorder.
Don't Get Hung Up On Dream Meanings
Did you dream of about a lot about sex? This does not mean that you are a pervert, hate your mother or are about to go insane. Trying to interpret your dreams will break down your train of memory.
Do Make Good Sleep a Priority
You can't dream if you don't sleep. Illness can cause insomnia which not only makes you forget dreams, but can make you forget things in your waking life.
Do Write in the Present Tense
When you do write your dreams down, use the present tense ("I am flying") rather than first person past tense ("I flew.") The theory is that by writing as if the dream is just happening will help your slumbering memory remember what happens next. You walk yourself back through the dream.
Do Play Memory Games Throughout the Day
Our brains are trained to focus on the essential and ignore the details. You have to train your brain that details can be important, too. I write down lists of horse books I used to have but that game may not appeal to most people. Did both you and a friend see the same TV show last night? Or perhaps traveled to the same vacation spot? Try and recall as much of that show or the vacation area as possible. You don't need a friend to play memory games like this but a friend can help you double-check your memory facts - either that or you'll feel better knowing that your memory is much better than your friend's.
Do Practice Free Association
Not sure what you dreamt about but really feel the itch to write about your dreams? Never fear - just write down the very first thing that comes to mind and keep on writing. You can go back and correct any spelling, punctuation or grammar errors later. Maybe you'll remember that you dreamt about not remembering your dreams. Weirder things have happened.
Do Share Your Dreams
Create a positive feedback loop so that your brain will have a good reason to remember your dreams - because it feels good to share them with others. Talk to trusted friends and family members about your dreams. Only talk about dreams that you found funny or light-hearted at first. Join a dream sharing online forum or group. If you are uncomfortable about telling anyone your dreams, just write them down in a secret diary. Sharing your dreams with yourself counts.
Image of long-eared owl by BS Thurner Hof
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