Next time you forget where you parked, here's a little idea that could get you back behind the wheel pronto: Pinch your right nostril shut.

Sounds strange, but research shows that pinching the right one shut and breathing through the left one boosts spatial memory -- that part of your brain that helps with memory and navigation.

Pick a Side
It's a right brain/left brain thing. In general, you use the left side of your brain to balance your checkbook, carry on conversations, and solve problems that require linear reasoning. The right side? It helps you paint like Picasso and recognize faces, and it controls spatial abilities. And the right side is also in charge of the left side of your body. But here's the twist: The left side of your body controls the right side of your brain, and vice versa. So when you breathe through the left nostril, it gives the right side of your brain a boost! It's neat cocktail-party trivia. Watch this video for more body knowledge about your nose.

Better Brain Gains
But parlor tricks only get your brain so far. A nostril pinch won't turn you into Einstein. So follow this other RealAge advice for keeping your brain young:

• For better brain protection: Adopt these five habits for decreasing inflammation and preventing the buildup of destructive brain plaques.
• For a quick brain check: Test your working memory and find out how you stack up.
• For better retention: Use these strategies to help your brain focus better on the most important bits of info.

Get your mind good and limber with this fun word game.

Immediate effects of right and left nostril breathing on verbal and spatial scores. Joshi, M., Telles, S., Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2008 Apr-Jun;52(2):197-200.