How to do Yoga for Increasing Concentration and Memory

Posted On : 15 April 2017.

Posted By : Yogi Mahesh Chetan.

Every day, when you wake, your body sets the tone for the rest of the day. If you are healthy, you will feel rejuvenated for the rest of the day, but if there is an ailment in your body, you will feel lethargic, and even your daily chores will feel like a headache. When it comes to health, your physical health is essential, and your mental well-being is crucial to you. When it comes to mental health, our brain plays a vital role because it is the only organ in your body that can receive, think and act on any task given to you, so keeping the healthy functioning of the brain is very important.

Yoga and brain health

Most people don't realize that, unlike other organs, your brain also needs daily nourishment. Stress, age, and other factors reduce the brain's functioning and lead to concentration and memory loss. Practising yoga asana helps in improving the functioning of the human brain. The power of yoga goes far beyond the physical realm. Studies show that practising yoga asana, even for a few minutes of the day, can improve the functioning of your brain. According to Patanjali yoga sutra, Dharana or the sixth limb of yoga, is an integral part of yoga philosophy which you will learn in every 200-hour yoga teacher training program in Rishikesh is a state of focus attained the practice of asana, pranayama and meditation practices. The Drishti in yoga is used in asana to increase your focus as it forces the practitioner to pay attention to a specific spot to attain the necessary balance to perform it.

Here are some of the best yoga poses to improve your memory and focus

Sarvangasana

This inversion is known to improve the memory power by increasing the blood supply. As it is with any inversion, proper care is necessary when practicing this pose. The neck and head are more prone to injury when practicing this pose, so if you are a beginner, remember to take necessary care.

Paschimottanasana

This seated pose promotes the activities of the brain. When you are seated, try to be relaxed in order to not get carried away with trying too hard. To harness the maximum benefits of yoga, one must learn to do the pose without pain, in a comfortable manner.

Bhujangasana

This pose is done face down. The key to this pose is remembering to breath well. Breathing during yoga poses is key to getting the most out of them. Without proper breathing, yoga is just another stretch. So, remember to pay attention to your breath and practice the asana with the suggested breathing technique.

Padmasana

This easy pose has tremendous ability to enhance energy power of the body and brain functions. This is one of the most famous yoga poses as well as many spiritual practices. Remember to elongate your spine and not hunch when performing this asana.

Knee to head pose

Known to help with sharpening the brain, it also reduces irritability and brings calmness into the practitioner. Here, the blood circulation is diverged to go towards the head. This pose can bring a quick release from stress and clear the mind. Be careful with your lower back when you are going into and coming out of the pose.

Meditation and pranayama techniques used in yoga can be used in a therapeutic way to increase one’s focus. As yoga continues to become more and more popular, many techniques and sequences dedicated to increasing focus and memory continues to be invented.

AYM is located in the birthplace of yoga: Rishikesh, India. For centuries, Rishikesh has been a well-known spiritual center for yoga and meditation. AYM is one of the oldest yoga schools in Rishikesh. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and waterfalls, the holy Ganga River’s presence adds an element of serenity to the entire city. For those who are interested in learning yoga for personal edification or getting a teaching certificate, Rishikesh has many options to offer.