Our brain is the most delicate yet vital organ in our body. Did you know that the brain, like any other muscle, requires exercise to function properly as well? The brain regulates practically every bodily function, including speech, cognition, mobility, and emotions. The brain must be in an active state to function properly.
So, why not try yoga for brain power? It is without a doubt the best alternative option available out there to improve brain power for better memory and concentration. Additionally, the timeless approach of yoga also aids in the prevention of variables that degrade the brain, resulting in psychiatric problems.
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How Does Yoga Improve Brain Health?
Yoga promotes mindfulness, the practice of fully being in the present moment. By staying focused on each breath and movement during yoga poses, you train your brain to concentrate better and improve your attention span. Chronic stress can often impair cognitive functions like memory and decision-making. Yoga's calming and relaxation techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormone levels and improving cognitive functions and mental clarity.
The focused attention on breath and movements during yoga enhances both short-term and long-term memory. The focus on concentration and discipline during this practice strengthens the brain's executive functions, which include planning, organising, and problem-solving. As a result, you become more efficient in managing tasks and making informed decisions. Last, but not least, certain yoga poses help in releasing feel-good hormones like endorphins and serotonin, that uplift mood and promote positive thinking.
On that note, here are 5 amazing yoga poses to flex those brain muscles and enjoy the mental rewards that contribute to mindfulness, stress reduction and long-term brain health and vitality.
5 Beneficial Yoga Poses To Promote Brain Health
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
Come to all fours, knees hip-width apart and hands shoulder-width apart. Lift your hips slowly off the floor and straighten your elbows and knees. Make an inverted 'V' with your body. Now, while balancing your body by pressing your hands into the ground, stretch your neck so that your ears brush your inner arms and your gaze is directed at your navel. Hold this position for 5–8 breaths before returning to the original position.
Benefits:
This classic yoga pose stretches your entire body and brings fresh oxygenated blood to your brain, giving it a power-packed boost. It also helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve focus. Woohoo for mental clarity!
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Stand upright on the floor. Bring both arms in front of your chest and combine your palms in prayer. Stretch both arms upwards while keeping your hands together. Bend your left knee slowly and place the sole of your left foot pressed against the inside of your right thigh. Maintain your right leg straight for as long as possible. Relax for a minute before repeating with the right foot. Rep 5 times more.
Benefits:
This pose demands concentration and focus, activating the cerebellum responsible for coordination. As you stand tall like a tree, you strengthen your mind-body connection, enhancing memory and stability.
Phalakasana (Plank Pose)
Lie flat on the floor or yoga mat, stomach and chest in touch with the ground. Maintain both hands on either side of the face, between the brow and ears, with fingers linked and palms facing down. Raise both of your feet at the same time, keeping the tips of your toes on the ground. Breathe in deeply and gradually elevate the upper body, including the torso, hips, and thighs, to a comfortable height off the ground, using the momentum of both hands and balancing your full weight. Keep the feet and back parallel to the floor, exactly like in a plank workout, and strive to hold this stance for 30 to 60 seconds while breathing deeply.
Benefits:
Plank Pose not only strengthens your core but also engages your brain's frontal lobes responsible for decision-making and problem-solving.
Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Kneel on the floor, with your soles up and your legs touching. While keeping your hands on your hips, make sure your knees and shoulders are straight. Breathe in and bend your back, hand-gripping your feet for balance. Hold this posture for one minute, or as long as you can, and then slowly return to an upright position, relaxing your legs and hands as well.
Benefits:
The backbend in the camel stance not only increases flexibility but also stimulates the pituitary gland in the brain. It also permits unrestricted prana to flow throughout the body, improving the efficacy of cerebral functions and alleviating lung difficulties.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose)
Begin the position by extending your legs forward. Maintain a straight back while raising your arms. Exhale and lean forward with your arms parallel to your legs. Try to hold your big toes together with your fingers for 30 seconds.
Benefits:
The seated forward bend stance is one of the most beneficial yoga poses for promoting attention, preventing anxiety, and providing relief from mental and physical weariness. It also develops the hip and shoulder muscles while energising the entire body.
