Yoga can definitely help improve concentration power. Everything you can do, including talking, thinking, feeling, and even breathing, is controlled by your brain, a mass of soft tissues that weighs less than 1.5 kg. For your body to continue to work effectively, your brain must remain engaged.
Yoga's two key components that calm the mind and improve cognitive function are meditation and breath control. Yoga asanas are simply various poses that regulate blood flow to various body areas and promote better functioning.
Brain yoga affects the vagus nerve, which regulates stress and mood. It affects respiration, which helps to calm you down, relax the body and improve concentration. Brain yoga sessions of just 20 minutes can have a significant positive impact on the body's general health and cognitive function.
Best Brain Yoga to Improve Concentration
The majority of us are unaware that, like every other organ in the body, the brain needs daily nutrition and energy. Similar to how exercising keeps the body in shape, exercising the brain strengthens the center of intelligence. Yoga asanas, for instance, help the human body work better and improve concentration power.
For better cognitive function, consume a nutritious diet and engage in memory-enhancing activities. Here are some yoga asanas to sharpen and improve your concentration and memory. These are effective natural ways to increase focus and concentration.
Diamond pose
In addition to keeping your mind quiet and relaxed, practicing this brain yoga to improve concentration and memory ability also strengthens your body to be as strong as the "Vajra"—a ritual object that represents the qualities of both a diamond and a lightning bolt.
Instructions:
- Kneel down on a mat.
- Your knees and ankles should be brought together, and your feet should be lined up with your legs. The big toes should be in contact with one another, soles pointing up.
- Sitting back, thighs on calves, buttocks on heels, exhale while doing so.
- As soon as you feel comfortable, position your pelvis while keeping your hand on your thighs.
- Sit upright with your spine straight and slowly inhale and exhale. Stretching your body upward with your head will cause your tailbone to descend to the floor.
- Grasp the thighs with your hands. Your chin should be parallel to the ground, your arms should be at your sides.
Shoulder stand pose
This brain yoga can effectively improve concentration and focus. According to the yoga scripture, the shoulder stand pose is said to work all over your body's chakras and organs.
Instructions:
- On the ground, start by lying on your back.
- Keep your hands to the sides and your feet together. To create a 90-degree angle with your body, bring your feet up now.
- Lifting the waist and extending your legs requires bending your elbows and placing your palms beneath your waist.
- Your body and legs ought to be aligned in a straight line.
- Stay in this position for a few minutes, then switch back to your starting position.
Plow pose
The plow pose or halasana, helps you unwind and clear your mind. This stance is excellent for your nervous system as it helps improve concentration. It also relieves back strain and improves your posture.
Instructions:
- Start by lying on your back on the ground with your feet together and your hands by your sides.
- To create a 90-degree angle with your body, elevate your legs now.
- Put your palms beneath your waist while bending your elbows.
- Raise your legs higher and make a 180-degree angle with this support over your head then to the floor with your toes.
- Hold this position for a few seconds before shifting back to your starting position.
Standing forward bend
Standing forward bend while standing revs up your nerve system. Additionally, this brain yoga also helps improve concentration as well as mental acuity by increasing blood flow to the brain.
Instructions:
- Start by standing upright, with your feet together and your hands by your sides.
- Raise your hands now.
- In an effort to place your palms under your feet, bend forward at the hips.
- Once you've held it for roughly a minute, switch back to your starting position.
Bridge pose
Bridge pose. (Image via Freepik)
Setu Bandhasana, also referred to as the supported bridge pose, is a little challenging to perform but not impossible. This asana enhances blood circulation, which soothes the brain. It further helps alleviate stress and other mental health illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
Instructions:
- Lay down on your back. While maintaining your feet flat on the ground, bend your knees.
- Now raise your body upward in the shape of a bridge.
- Use your hands and feet to support your body.
- Continue to gently inhale and exhale. Hold the position for roughly a minute while repeating this process 2-3 times.