Zarafshan ShirazNew Delhi
Yoga enhances focus through various physical, mental and mindfulness aspects or experts claim that the combination of specific postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama) and meditation contributes to better concentration. Yoga emphasizes the connection between mind and body and as practitioners progress through asanas, they become more attuned to physical sensations, promoting present moment awareness and reducing mental distractions. .
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddha Akshar, Founder, Akshar Yoga Centre, shared, “Pranayama techniques in yoga involve conscious control of the breath. Deep and intentional breathing calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and promotes mental clarity, which is essential for sustained focus. Yoga asanas promote physical health and a healthy body contributes to a focused mind. Improving overall health through regular exercise positively affects cognitive functions and attention span.
He further added, “Yoga encourages circulation and blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. Improved blood flow ensures adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, which has a positive effect on cognitive function and focus. To increase focus and memory, students can benefit from incorporating specific yoga asanas into their daily routine.
He recommended some effective asanas and techniques for students to build focus and sharp memory –
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Stand straight with your feet together and hands at your sides. This pose improves posture and increases concentration by stabilizing the body.
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): Transfer the weight to one foot, place the sole of the other foot on the inner thigh or shin and bring the hands into prayer position. This helps improve balance and focus.
- Paschimottanasana (Sitting Forward Bend): Sit with your legs extended, hinged at your hips, and reach up to your toes. This asana stretches the spine, thereby promoting blood flow to the brain to improve cognitive function.
- Balasana (Child’s Pose): Sit on your knees placing your buttocks over your heels, extend your arms forward and rest your forehead on the mat. This relaxing pose relieves stress and encourages mental clarity.
- Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): Lie on your back, raise your legs and support your lower back with your hands. Standing on shoulders increases blood circulation in the brain, which helps in memory.
- Halasana (Plough Pose): Standing shoulder to shoulder, lower your legs behind your head. Halasana stimulates the nervous system, promoting mental alertness.
- Anulom vilom pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Sit comfortably, close one nostril, inhale, then change nostrils as you exhale and inhale. This pranayama technique balances the hemispheres of the brain, thereby increasing focus.
- Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation): A series of twelve asanas, Surya Namaskar improves overall flexibility and energizes the body, promoting mental alertness.
- Trataka Meditation: Trataka meditation is a yoga technique that involves focusing on a point, usually a candle flame. Rooted in ancient practices, it aims to calm the mind and enhance concentration. Practitioners sit in a comfortable position, gazing at a chosen point without blinking. This simple yet powerful method promotes mental clarity, improves memory and creates a heightened state of awareness. Apart from its psychological benefits, it is believed to purify and improve vision.
The yoga expert advised, “Encourage students to practice these asanas regularly, focusing on mindful breathing and being present in each pose. Regular practice of yoga can significantly contribute to increasing concentration, reducing stress and improving memory.
