It seems more and more difficult to concentrate these days as the rapid pace of life, constant overstimulation and networking inbound our mind and make focus and concentration a rare commodity but fortunately, experts stress that Yoga is a perfect way to enhance the cognitive functioning of our brain.
The Mind-Body Connection
Yoga is not confined to the physical level only because it has evolved out of a realization that the human body, mind, and breath cannot be looked at in isolation, but as an interconnected system.
Improved Attention And Focus
Yoga has numerous advantages and one of the most important of those includes enhanced ability to pay attention. Yoga, apart from teaching you the proper way of breathing, makes the mind dismiss everything that is unnecessary so that you are able to concentrate on what you are doing.
Effectiveness Of Stress Management For Cognitive Function
(Yoga poses) and practices which can be of great help in improving one’s focus, concentration and brain health.
1. Balancing poses (Vrikshasana, Natarajasana, etc. )
They involve balance which is an exceptional way of subdividing the mind hence the training of the mind is imminent.
2. Forward folds (Padahasthasana, Paschimottanasana)
In forward bending asanas the mind becomes stable and one can reduce stress and anxiety from such postures.
3. Backbends (Ustrasana, Bhujangasana)
It increases energy and facilitates circulation of blood to the brain hence improving mental activity.
4. Inversions (Sarvangasana, Sirsasana)
They reverse the direction of gravity and help accumulate more blood flow towards the head thus improving the brain activity.
5.Seated twists (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Some of the twisting poses are believed to purify the body and mind during the yoga exercise session to enhance the attention.
Breathing Practices (Pranayama)
1. Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
It involves the following process: This method of breathing is also believed to harmonise the right and left sides of the brain in order to sharpen concentration.
2. Nadi Shodhana (Channel Clearing Breath)
As in the previous exercise, it purifies the energy channels and makes the mind more concentrated.
3. Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath)
This practice produces vibrations and humming sounds that can easily put one into a meditative position and help in concentration.
Meditation
1. Trataka (Candle Gazing Meditation)
To perform this kind of meditation, one has to direct the eyes towards a small point, for instance on a lit candle so as to teach the mind how to focus.
2. Mindfulness Meditation
When practiced, mindfulness meditation increases presence in the present moment and can improve functions of the brain together with decreasing daydreaming.
3. Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)
This guided relaxation practice puts one in a condition of conscious relaxation that helps to renew the mind and enhance concentration.
Conclusion
It is pertinent to mention that it is equally important to adhere regularly to the practices of Yoga in order to develop cognitive benefits from the process, use of breath work and meditation in conjunction with asanas helps to improve focus and concentration About Yoga, Himalayan Siddha Akshar concludes, Yoga is a process that must be respected and adhered to religiously to allow its benefits
