Ever had a word right on the tip of your tongue, but no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn’t remember it? It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re talking to someone and suddenly your mind goes blank.

The good news is that it happens to everyone. A temporary memory lapse doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your memory. In fact, the harder you try to remember, the more elusive the word often becomes.

When you can’t remember

Instead of panicking, relax for a moment and start moving your hands.

It may sound strange, but simple hand gestures can help jog your memory. Better still, try to make gestures that match what you’re trying to remember. If you’re searching for the word bear, for example, you might instinctively make clawing movements with your hands.

It’s almost as if those movements help your brain find the information it was looking for all along.

Why does it work?

Researchers have found that people who use their hands while explaining something often remember more than those who keep their hands still. Gesturing seems to help organise information in the brain and gives your memory an extra “hook” to hang onto.

So the next time you have one of those “It’s on the tip of my tongue!” moments, don’t sit there getting frustrated. Relax, move your hands, and give your brain a little nudge.

You might be surprised how often the missing word suddenly pops into your head.