Have you ever been introduced to someone, and then 30 seconds later, you can't remember his or her name? We've all been there. And the busier and more stressed you are, the harder it is to recall those small details stored in your recent memory.

As we get a little older, the things in our recent memory start to get shaky. It can be frustrating, but this kind of forgetfulness is not associated with long-term memory loss—it's just a part of life. In fact, after about the age of 20, your body not only begins losing brain cells, but your existing brain cells are more taxed because the chemical the cells feed on is in shorter supply.

The good news is that you can combat this process by being proactive. Here are five solutions to your memory woes.

What's in a name?

Problem: Forgetting names. Some days, you feel like you're lucky to remember your own name! Forgetting names of people to whom you've just been introduced (or of people whose faces just look familiar in a crowd) is one of the most common memory glitches.

Solution: As soon as you're introduced to someone, repeat his or her name aloud and create a mental association for yourself—the sillier the better, because you're more likely to remember something that makes you chuckle.

Write it down.

Problem: You keep missing appointments. Sorting out work schedules, kids' school events, sporting events, doctors' appointments, and deadlines in your head is nearly impossible.

Solution: If you embrace handheld technology, then by all means, use it! But an old-school approach might work even better. Devote a simple paper calendar (daybook or wall calendar) to keeping track of everything from bill and library book due dates to teacher conferences and work meetings. Keeping everything in one place—and immediately writing down a due date or an appointment—is key to helping you remember.

Sleep on it.

Problem: You feel like you're in a haze and nothing seems to "stick." You have trouble remembering some of the basics, such as lists, instructions, and directions.

Solution: You might need more sleep. According to a recent Harvard Medical School study, getting enough sleep is one way to strengthen your memory. Study participants learned word pairings either in the morning or at night before a full night's sleep. The ones who got the full night's sleep did much better at remembering than the ones who had to trudge through the whole day and then try to remember in the evening. Your brain gets tired; a solid seven to nine hours of sleep helps recharge it.

Take an herbal boost.

Problem: You have trouble concentrating and completing tasks. When you have a lot on your plate, it can be hard to focus and easy to confuse the details (was that an eye doctor appointment or a dentist appointment?).

Solution: Consider taking memory-boosting herbal supplements, such as ginseng and ginkgo biloba. Ginseng has long been valued in Chinese medicine as a brain booster. Studies suggest that taking ginseng can help you learn better and retain more. Ginkgo biloba also seems to help increase memory, and it can make you feel more alert. Western medicine is slowly embracing these kinds of herbs; however, you always should consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Ask your doctor.

Problem: You've tried writing down things and making lists, but you're still having trouble remembering and focusing on daily tasks.

Solution: Don't be afraid to see your doctor. There could be a medical reason for your troubled memory—one that is very treatable. For example, different medications can react with each other and cause you to have memory issues. Or, if you've recently gained or lost weight (even 10 pounds), it could mean that there is suddenly too much or too little medicine in your body. Even that small change can wreak havoc on your memory. Depending on your tolerance and how much you drink, even small amounts of alcohol can affect your memory, and can interact with any medications you might be taking. Also, don't forget that chronic lack of sleep and dehydration can cause memory loss and confusion.