You’ve probably heard that chess and crossword puzzles help keep your brain sharp. But not everyone has the extra time to spend on the day’s sudoku. Good news: You can improve your memory while doing useful tasks.

These activities can help you remember things now and also fight future memory troubles. And they may already be a part of your daily routine.

• Keep up to date. Read the newspaper or listen to the radio. Talk with others about what you’ve learned. This helps seal in memories—and social interaction fights forgetfulness. As little as 10 minutes of chatting helps.
• Make a note. Write down important information, such as appointments, contact information, and medication schedules. Make to-do lists and plan your days ahead of time. Keep related jots in the same visible place. Review them twice each day.
• Do the math. Count out change and balance your checkbook by hand.
• Ease stress. Incorporate meditation or other relaxation techniques into your schedule. Anxiety can cause memory lapses.
• Turn off the tube. At least one study suggests watching more TV increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Pick up a book instead.
• Work it out. Physical activity helps your brain as well as your body. It increases blood flow to the brain and reduces risk factors for memory loss.