Can’t recall small details? Here are 5 ways to train memory

What actually determines our memory? Turns out, a pair of thumb-sized structures, known as the hippocampus, deep in the center of the human brain, are responsible for our ability to learn and remember things.
But what exactly is the function of the hippocampus? The simplest answer would be: it is the part of the human brain that stores memory. Yes, just like the pen drive you rely on to store all your documents-and if that’s gone, you’re in trouble. The same happens with our hippocampus function .One might wonder where the name ‘hippocampus’ comes from. The Greek words hippo mean horse, and kampos means sea monster. Literally, it translates to ‘seahorse’, which is a reference to its seahorse-like shape. This small structure actually makes a huge difference. How? Jokingly, people often refer to themselves as ‘Ghajini’ once they start forgetting things easily. Even if it sounds funny, it can turn into a huge problem with age. There are a few painless techniques one can use to improve hippocampus function and ensure that the ‘pen drive’ of the human body is taken care of for long-lasting memory storage.
Here are 5 simple changes one can bring into their life to strengthen hippocampus function:

It’s high time to stop thinking that moving our bodies helps solely in weight loss. A study published by the National Library of Medicine, titled "Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory," clearly states that exercise has a direct connection with boosting brainpower. Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, has been proven to be effective in increasing the size of the hippocampus. The same study explains this with an experiment that older adults who participated in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times a week for a year saw a 2% increase in their hippocampal volume, while those who didn’t exercise lost some hippocampal volume over the same period, shocking, right? This means that simply keeping active can help your brain stay sharp as you age.

Human brains function in a way that they love to repeat patterns instead of taking different paths. Repetition needs very little effort as the brain already knows the pattern, but trying something new or trying new ways to do old things needs active attention and effort. When someone engages in unfamiliar tasks—like learning a new language, taking a different route to work, or picking up a new hobby-they force their hippocampus to form new connections. This mental 'Cross-training' helps keep the hippocampus flexible and engaged, and may promote the growth of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis.

Getting enough quality sleep is like hitting the reset button for your brain. The hippocampus relies on deep sleep to process and store new memories. If you’re not getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night, your memory and learning abilities can suffer in the long run. A study published by the National Library of Medicine, named The impact of sleep loss on hippocampal function shows that good sleep helps the hippocampus move information into long-term storage, while poor sleep can make it harder to create or retrieve memories. Making sleep a priority is one of the easiest ways to support your brain health.

A common notion is that if you want to live a healthy life, it must be a life sacrificing your taste buds, not really. Research shows dark chocolate can be a game-changer for your memory-loss phase. Yes, having a small piece of dark chocolate isn’t just a tasty treat- consuming it, which is rich in flavonoids, can improve hippocampus function and boost memory. These compounds help increase blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation, and protect brain cells from damage. So, it's backed by research that consuming cocoa powder and dark chocolate does make a person feel a bit sharper.

Spending time with friends and loved ones isn’t just good for mood-it’s good for memory too. Social interaction stimulates the hippocampus and can help protect against memory decline as one ages. Talking, laughing, and solving problems with others give the brain some tasks to stay active and engaged. As a result it keeps neural connections strong, which is essential for long-term brain health. It’s often said that not going out and staying alone can increase productivity, it’s also true that regular catch-ups with friends or joining a group activity can give the hippocampus a healthy workout.