Exercise Your Hippocampus: Train Your Brain Like a Muscle

Why Your Memory Needs a Workout

Make sure you are constantly exercising your hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for memory and decision-making. Indeed, it can be alarming when you notice your memory failing more often. Research has shown that, like any other muscle, your brain requires regular exercise to perform at its best. Of course, eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active all help—but for your hippocampus specifically, you need additional mental challenges.

Build Strong Neural Pathways

For example, learning something new creates fresh neural pathways in your brain. As a result, repeating what you learn strengthens these connections, making recall easier over time. In other words, you want your brain to be flexible and efficient at forming and modifying pathways. The more you exercise your mind, the stronger and more resilient these pathways become.

Train Your Non-Dominant Hand

One simple exercise is writing with your non-dominant hand. Then, continue practicing until it becomes hard to tell the difference between what you write with your dominant hand and your non-dominant hand. Surprisingly, just a few minutes a day can produce noticeable results, and you can track your improvement over days and months.

Memorize Phone Numbers

Additionally, in today’s tech-driven world, mobile phones have made remembering phone numbers almost unnecessary. However, memorizing numbers is an excellent way to build new neural pathways. Each time you make a call, try saying the number aloud before hitting the call button. Even if you use Siri or Google Assistant, speak the number instead of the person’s name. This small habit helps strengthen your memory and keeps your brain agile.

Keep Your Brain in Top Shape

Ultimately, exercising your hippocampus through small daily habits—like learning new skills, practicing with your non-dominant hand, and memorizing numbers—can help you maintain strong memory and decision-making skills. By challenging your brain regularly, you ensure it stays flexible, resilient, and ready for anything.

Resources:

Colorado State University Columbine Health Systems Center For Healthy Aging: How To Rewrite Your Brain, Grace Weintrob, May 31, 2022
Colorado State University
Last Viewed: 20240105

Growth Engineering: 10 Ways To Improve Your Hippocampus function, Harry Cloke, July 11, 2022
Growth Engineering
Last Viewed: 20240105