1. OCCIPITAL LOBE

What is it? Responsible for processing visual details, shapes and colours, the occipital lobe is found in the bottom of the back bulge of your grey matter - the part that takes a pounding when you slip on a banana skin and activate the "flashing stars" screensaver.

Boost it: learn to juggle. Clowning around with coloured balls can increase reaction times by up to 10 per cent in just two months, according to University of Hamburg neuroscientists. And extra cash on the side from those kids' parties to boot.

2. DENTATE GYRUS

What is it? Thank this blob of neurons for lifting your spirits when your Leonard Cohen collection is calling.

Boost it: get running. Tests at Columbia University in New York found that just 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise three times a week boosted new brain cell growth by up to a fifth. "The natural depletion of cells here is responsible for increasing periods of depression as you age, and regular exercise is proven to counter this," says Dr Rohan de Silva, from the Institute of Neurology in London.

3. HIPPOCAMPUS

What is it? Small, banana-shaped nuggets on either side of your brain, which are responsible for awareness and consolidation of memory.

Boost it: Researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University in the UK found that consuming the equivalent of 25 grams of sugar - found in a 200-millilitre glass of orange juice - can boost memory retention by a fifth. "Sugar boosts reaction times and memory function, even helping to ward off dementia," says lead researcher Dr Leigh Riby. Just the false teeth to worry about in your twilight years then.

4. BRAIN STEM

What is it? The crucial link between brain and brawn controls survival mechanisms and arousal (of the "out of" rather than "in" bed variety).

Boost it: "Stress causes the muscles in the upper back to constrict the nerve pathways and blood flow to the brain stem, resulting in shallow breathing and even blackouts," explains de Silva. Get some relief by gently squeezing your trapezius muscles, from your neck to your shoulders in circular motions, between thumb and fingers for five minutes.

5. CEREBELLUM

What is it? The mighty cerebellum contains over 60 per cent of your brain's neurons coordinating your muscles for posture and precise movements. It's the only thing standing between you and that concert violinist fighting to get out.

Boost it: re-wire your neural pathways with some brain gymnastics. Try "Lazy 8s": extend one arm in front of you, thumb pointing up, and trace a figure of eight on its side, focusing ahead. Do it for five minutes twice a day. "It connects the cerebellum to different parts of your brain for better neuro-muscular control and spatial awareness," says de Silva.

6. PITUITARY GLAND

What is it? The pea-sized gland that controls your sleep and hunger hormones. It also produces the "love rat" hormone vasopressin, linked by Swedish researchers to certain men's inability to remain faithful.

Boost it: load up on manganese, the mineral found in egg yolks and fish. "Without manganese your pituitary gland is unable to eliminate overloads of hormones, leading to reduced sleep and increased appetite," explains Kit Ashley, executive director at the UK-based Pituitary Foundation.