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Your memories are interesting to think about.
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Not just those sticky situations from your travels that you always tell people about...
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...but what's going on inside your brain!
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Because, every time you remember something, your brain calls on your memory network and instantly,
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the hippocampus and other parts of your brain, spring to action.
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They work together as a crack-team:
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building your memories from scratch.
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Whenever you witness an event, learn a fact or experience something you really want to remember,
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these parts of the brain kick-start the memory-making process.
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Here's how scientists think it works.
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First, your brain consciously registers the memory, a process called "encoding".
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If you're like most people, you forget a name right after being introduced to someone.
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This doesn't mean you have a bad memory, it means that you haven't 'encoded' the name...
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...probably because you weren't paying attention.
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The next step in the process, is the glue that holds the memory together.
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Scientists call this step 'Consolidation'.
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But, the memory is only a memory, once you remember it.
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Which is why scientists call the final step 'retrieval'.
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And retrieving a memory is actually one of the best ways you can boost your memory...
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...because every time you remember something,
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the neural path to that memory gets stronger,
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making it even easier for you to recall it again and again.
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But there is even more you can do to help your memory.
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And, it's not rocket-science.
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A regular sleep pattern helps.
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So does a balanced diet, which not only keeps your body in shape,
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but gives your brain vital nutrients it needs to perform.
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Exercise helps, too, by boosting the amount of oxygen and nutrients flowing to your brain.
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And finally, challenging your brain,
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learning new things and staying mentally active, can actually increase the physical size of your brain.
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All of these things will keep your memory on its toes.
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Which means that you play the starring role in maintaining a healthy memory.
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And, that it's actually you that makes your memory work.
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You, and your all-important memory network.
