International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on 21 June to emphasize the importance of yoga and its many health benefits. One of the reasons why yoga has gained immense popularity around the world is that it not only enhances your physical health, but has proven benefits on mental health as well. In a fast-paced world, where hustle culture is fast becoming the norm, yoga can have immense benefits.
“In today’s world, stress, anxiety and tension are common occurrences in our daily lives. Unfortunately, the negative impact of these factors can lead to lack of focus, concentration and memory,” shares Dr Rajeev Rajesh, Chief Yoga Officer Are. Jindal Naturecure Institute, Bangalore. He adds, “However, there is a solution to deal with these issues, and it comes in the form of yoga. By practicing yoga, individuals can achieve a calm state of mind, thereby improving focus, concentration and memory.” It is possible.”
One of the best things about yoga is that it can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, gender or fitness level. This ancient science is a dynamic process that can boost brain function, making it an elixir for youth and vitality. Several studies have shown how yoga can be more effective than other forms of exercise when it comes to psychological outcomes, says Dr Rajesh.
International Yoga Day 2023: Yoga increases blood circulation in the brain
Yoga offers specific benefits for the circulatory system, as the stretching involved in yoga postures helps oxygenate and rejuvenate the blood, while pranayama, or the practice of yogic breathing, helps push nutrients up to the vessels and capillaries. Yes, says Dr. Rajesh. He adds, “During yoga practice, focused breathing activates the diaphragm, which pulls down and increases pressure in the abdomen, compressing the abdominal veins and pushing blood toward the chest and heart, resulting in increased circulation.” improves.”
Practicing yoga asanas such as headstands and side-by-side sits can also increase blood circulation to the brain. This improved circulation allows the brain to receive more oxygen, says Dr. Rajesh, which in turn enhances alertness, awareness, and memory.
Yoga asanas to improve concentration and memory
Below are some yoga asanas listed by Dr. Rajeev Rajesh that can improve your focus and memory:
Tadasana
Stand straight by joining the feet. Look ahead at eye level. Interlock the fingers of the hands. While inhaling, raise the hands and ankles. Turn the palms upwards. Maintain the position with normal breathing for 15 to 20 seconds. While exhaling, slowly bring the heels and hands down. It stretches the whole body and improves blood circulation. This also develops concentration.
Natrajasana
To begin with, stand straight with your feet together. Bend the left leg and stretch it backwards. Take the left hand behind you and hold the toe of the left foot. Keep the left hand straight. Raise right arm up with palms facing forward and fingers pointing up. Look at the right fingers. Keep the right leg straight on the floor. Stay in the position with normal breath. To release the pose, first bring down the right hand and then lower the left leg. Repeat with right leg. This pose brings balance to the brain and improves concentration and memory.
Anuloma Viloma
For Anulom Vilom, sit in meditation posture. Adopt Nasika Mudra with the right hand. Close the right nostril with the thumb, inhale slowly through the left nostril, hold the breath for five seconds and then close the left nostril with the ring finger, remove the thumb from the right nostril and exhale slowly. Now inhale through the right nostril, hold your breath for five seconds and close the right nostril with the thumb. Remove the ring finger from the left nostril and exhale slowly. Repeat. It removes pranic blockages, purifies the body and mind, strengthens the immune system, and improves concentration, willpower, and memory.
Bhramari Pranayama
To begin illusionary breathing, find a comfortable sitting position on the floor, in a chair, or on a bed. You can sit cross-legged or kneeling with the support of a cushion or blanket, whichever is most comfortable for you. To relax, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Pay attention to your breath and your surroundings by lengthening your spine. Then, gently press your thumbs on the cartilage of your ears just below your cheekbones and close your eyes with your index and middle fingers. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and exhale through your nose to make a humming or buzzing sound through your throat and nose and feel its vibrations in the brain. Repeat this for at least six cycles or as long as you wish. Bhramari helps in improving memory and calming the mind.
(The views expressed by the expert quoted in the article are his own, not endorsed by Zee News. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals. Always a medical Check with expert professionals and fitness experts before starting a new exercise regime.)