I promise I’m not messing with you.

I read this amazing tip in Prevention Magazine. September Issue 2009.

Here are the instructions. Block your right nostril, but if you use a finger to do this, don’t insert it up the nose. Otherwise, you’ll look and sound like a creepy nose-picker. (The last bit is my own advice)

Now, breathe 27 times in and out through the left nostril. You can do this a couple times a day as needed, but no more than four times a day. Don’t ask me why there’s a limit.

Then Voila! You’ll instantly remember that which has eluded you.

However,if you try this memory activating exercise, your kid might say, “Mom, are you like having a heart attack? Do you need a paper bag or something?”

If this happens, drop your finger immediately and cease the single nostril yoga breathing so that you can reassure your frightened child. “Why no, honey. Mom’s just trying to remember where she parked the car.”

Your child might respond like this. “Ah, Mom. Please don’t ever do that in front of me or anyone else again. Okay?”

But at that precise moment,your memory kicks in and you remember where you parked the car. And you vow to practice it four times a day, every single day. Because you need the memory boost. You need it real bad. So you shake your head in regret and say, “Sorry. I can’t make that promise.”

Your child sighs. Her shoulders droop.

And you can’t wait to read the next issue of Prevention magazine.