Can you remember what you ate for breakfast this morning? How about what you wore yesterday? In today’s era of information overload, it can be tough to remember even the biggest details of our day. However, according to Live Science, the human brain can store the entire Internet.

Researchers discovered that, unlike a classical computer that codes information as 0s and 1s, a brain cell uses 26 different ways to code its “bits.” They calculated that the brain could store 1 petabyte (or a quadrillion bytes) of information.

“This is a real bombshell in the field of neuroscience,” Terry Sejnowski, a biologist at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, said in a statement. “Our new measurements of the brain’s memory capacity increase conservative estimates by a factor of 10.”

So, how can you leverage this seemingly limitless amount of brain power?

How to Train Your Memory Using the N Back Test
The good news is that there is a proven method for increasing working memory, otherwise known as the N Back Test. This test was originally developed by Wayne Kirchner to measure memory. It works by giving a sequence of stimuli, shown in order. Here is an example:

When the stimuli matches what was shown ‘n‘ steps before, the subject then presses ‘stop’.

The number ‘n’ will increase, meaning that you need to remember more and more items as the game progresses.

For N = 1 then, you’d have to press stop at the end of the below sequence:

H T S N A L M P I O U U

Once you reached N = 2, you’d press stop at the end here:

L V S S T U N N V P O Q A T L M L

For N = 3:

A N N M M A U N T L Q W T U V T

And the process continues.

Apps to Help with Memory
If N Back Testing isn’t your style, there’s an app to help with memory as well. Medical News Today recommends using apps to help with brain processing speed, working memory, and executive function.

According to Medical News Today, there’s evidence why apps can help both older and younger adults:

A study published in PLOS One in 2013, for example, found that young adults who engaged in brain training games demonstrated improvements in brain processing speed, working memory, and executive functions.

It is not only young adults who might benefit from brain training. Research presented at the 2016 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference found that older adults who took part in ten 1-hour brain training sessions over a 5-week period were 48 percent less likely to develop cognitive decline or dementia over 10 years.

So, what apps are best for improving memory?

• Lumosity: Considered by many as the original brain training app. It’s used by more than 85 million people worldwide.
• Elevate: Aimed to boost productivity
• Peak: 30 mini-games that improves concentration and memory
• Fit Brains: Increases emotional intelligence

Improving the health of your mind can have a big impact on your health, wellness, and success. Consider these tips and tricks to apply to your healthy lifestyle.