The brain is not a muscle, but regularly "exercising" the brain actually does keep it growing and spurs the development of new nerve connections that can help improve memory. As scientists learned more about the brain and how memory actually worked, they realized that there were things you could actually do to improve not only your short-term memory, but to help recall facts that were stored in your long-term memory as well.

These tips can be as easy as paying closer attention to details, such as when meeting persons for the first time. Nervousness or distraction may mean that you’re not really listening when a name is said, making it harder for you to recall it moments later.

It is believed that it takes about 8 seconds of attention for a memory to travel from short-term to long-term storage, so quickly glossing over information you are hearing for the first time will only hinder your ability to recall it later.

"Over-learning" is another common technique for strengthening memory. This is what a person does when they repeat a bit of information over and over again – they are over-learning it so that there is more of a chance that it will be stored in long-term memory.

Other techniques can be somewhat complicated – until you learn them, that is. Like driving a car, once you learn the "procedure" you never really need to think much about them after that. Memory techniques become just like memories themselves – once they’re burned into your brain, they become a natural process.

There are many different memory claims. For example, researchers say that if you are looking for a quick memory fix, just move your eyes from side to side for 30 seconds. Then we have the claim that chewing gum can help to improve memory and enhance cognitive power. You probably know that a diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and "healthy" fats will provide lots of health benefits. This same diet can also improve memory.

There is obviously no one method or technique that will improve memory for everyone. However, it is important to "exercise" the brain, otherwise the adage "use it or lose it" definitely applies to the brain.