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Yoga for Memory & Focus

Yoga and pranayama practices linked to sharper memory and focus — how each affects circulation and attention, plus a simple daily sequence to build the habit.

Yoga for Memory & Focus

As we grow old, we face some issues in keeping our system healthy and young. This also applies to our brain. Brain games may keep our brains sharp to some extent. Still, we need some workouts to keep our brains in top shape as we get older.

Luckily, you do not have to stick to hard workouts such as sprinting or going to the gym. You will come across several Yoga exercises meant to enhance your memory and improve your concentration to a great extent. There is more good news. These exercises can prevent you from being affected by age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

Here are the top 5 Yoga exercises for improving your memory.

1. Nadisuddhi Pranayama

Oxygen greatly boosts our brain’s functioning. Today, most people spend most of their time indoors. So it makes sense to go outside for some fresh air. This helps our brain by giving it an extra dose of oxygen. Inhale and exhale slowly, since your heart rate will drop during this exercise. The benefit of this asana is less anxiety and stress.

How to perform this exercise: Sit comfortably with your legs crossed and exhale deeply. Inhale through the left nostril while keeping the right one closed with your thumb. Next, keep both nostrils closed for several seconds. Then open the right nostril and exhale from the left nostril while keeping it closed. Repeat this process. This time, however, start with the right nostril.

2. Matsyasana

This yoga exercise helps get rid of tension in the shoulders and neck. It will also give you relief from respiratory ailments.

How to perform this exercise: Lie on your back with your feet together. Rest your hands in a relaxed position alongside your body. Place your hands beneath your hips, then bring your elbows closer. Raise your chest and head while breathing in. Raise your chest and lower your head backward. Then touch the top of your head to the ground. Do not place your weight on your head. Put it on your elbows, pressing them firmly into the ground. Press your legs and thighs to the ground while raising your chest. Hold this pose as long as you can. Breathe gently in and out with long breaths. Relax in this position with every exhale. Lower your head and chest to the ground while lifting your head. Bring your hands back along the sides of your body and relax.

3. Suryanamaskar

This yoga exercise has as many as 12 poses that work different parts of your body. Everyone should practice it for a healthy body and mind. As per the top Yoga teacher, the Suryanamaskar will help boost the strength and flexibility of body and mind. It will also help you to unwind and stay calm.

How to perform this exercise: Stand straight with your hands in a prayer position and your feet together. Stretch your body and raise your hands above your head. Lean forward and bring your hands down to your feet. Try touching the toes. Place your palms firmly on the ground and push your left leg back. Take the right foot back to meet the left foot. Make sure that your entire body is in a straight line. Bring your knees to the ground. Your hand, knees, feet, chest, and chin must be on the ground.

Next, perform the downward dog pose by bringing the right foot close to your hands. Also, bring in your left foot. Stretch your body above the head using your hands. Follow the initial step while bringing the hand to your chest.

Do 3 rounds of this exercise every morning.

4. Halasana

Today, we find it quite hard to sleep peacefully. Restless emotions and anxiety are often to blame. Halasana stands out because it prepares your mind and body for meditation and relaxation. This exercise helps blood circulate properly to every part of your system, including your brain.

How to perform this exercise: Lie down on your back with your palms and arms facing down on the floor. Lift your legs using your abdominal muscles and your hands. Sweep them over your head until your toes can touch the ground above your head. Inhale while doing this exercise. Hold this position for several seconds. Then bring your legs back to where they were. Also check these yoga exercise to increase height and easy to do it.

5. Padangusthasana

This yoga exercise is right for you if you suffer from mental and physical exhaustion. It gives you instant relief and relaxation. This workout will help cool down your brain. You will get rid of anxiety and stress. Padangusthasana will also help improve digestion. It will also help fix any issues with sleep, calves, and hamstrings.

How to perform this exercise: Stand upright with your feet 6 inches apart. Extend the upper body from the hips and bend forward. Breathe in while doing so. Bend forward as far as you can. Then use your middle and index fingers to grab your big toe. Hold this posture for several seconds before releasing the toes. Then repeat the whole process.

Conclusion

All the yoga exercises above suit you if you want to improve your concentration and sharpen your memory. Do these exercises regularly. You will also get other mental and physical health benefits.

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