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