Do you find it difficult to remember things and focus on your work? It could be due to a lack of brain agility. Your brain plays a phenomenal role in carrying out daily tasks such as controlling memory, thoughts, emotions, hunger, and every bodily function and process. If your brain is not agile, you will find it difficult to perform usual tasks. Try these yoga poses for brain strength to combat factors contributing to brain degeneration.
Health Shots got in touch with Mansoor Baluch, a celebrity yoga coach, to find out which yoga poses can boost brain strength and fitness.
9 yoga poses to boost brain strength
1. Bhramari pranayama
This yoga pose involves a calming breathing technique that reduces stress and anxiety and helps promote cognitive function. Here’s how to perform it:
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
- Inhale deeply through your nose, and as you exhale, make a humming sound, like a bee.
- As you exhale, gently close your ears with your thumbs, placing your index fingers on your forehead.
- Repeat this process a few times, focusing on the soothing vibration within your head.
2. Padmasana (Lotus pose)
Padmasana is a meditative pose that encourages proper posture and focused breathing. This helps calm the mind and promote mental clarity. Here’s how to perform it:
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended.
- Bend your right knee and place your foot on your left thigh.
- Similarly, bend your left knee and place your foot on your right thigh.
- Keep your spine straight, hands on your knees, and palms facing upward.
- Breathe deeply and find a meditative state.
3. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt pose)
Vajrasana is known to promote digestion and a healthy gut is linked to a healthy mind. Here’s how to perform it:
- Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching and your heels apart.
- Sit back on your heels, keeping your spine straight.
- Place your hands on your thighs and focus on your breath.
4. Paschitmottanasana (Seated forward bend)
This forward-bending pose stimulates the nervous system and improves blood circulation to the brain. Here’s how to perform it:
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended.
- Inhale and lengthen your spine.
- Exhale, bending forward from your hips and reaching towards your feet.
- Hold onto your feet or shins, keeping your back straight.
- Feel the stretch along your spine, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
5. Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand)
This yoga pose involves balancing the entire body on the shoulders. Besides improving brain strength, it also has a positive impact on the thyroid gland, regulating metabolism and energy levels. Here’s how to perform it:
- Lie on your back and lift your legs, bringing them over your head.
- Support your lower back with your hands and straighten your legs upward.
- Keep your body in a straight line, balancing on your shoulders.
- This inversion pose enhances blood circulation to the brain, improving focus.
Also read: These 5 everyday habits can damage your brain health
6. Halasana (Plow pose)
Halasana stimulates the brain by increasing the blood flow to the head. This pose also stretches the spine and shoulders, releasing tension and promoting relaxation, which is essential for cognitive function. Here’s how to perform it:
- Lie on your back, lift your legs over your head, and touch the ground behind you.
- Support your lower back with your hands, keeping your legs straight.
7. Mayurasana (Peacock pose)
This yoga pose not only strengthens the abdominal muscles but also stimulates the digestive organs. Moreover, it effectively relaxes your body and mind. Here’s how to perform it:
- Kneel on the floor, placing your hands shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your elbows and bring your torso forward, resting it on your triceps.
- Lift your legs, extending them backward.
8. Sirsasana (Headstand)
This yoga pose increases blood circulation and nourishes the brain cells, enhancing cognitive function. Here’s how to perform it:
- Start on your hands and knees.
- Lower your forearms to the ground, interlocking your fingers.
- Place the crown of your head on the ground, lifting your hips toward the ceiling.
- Straighten your legs, forming a straight line from head to heels.
9. Ardha matsyenrasana (Half lord of the fishes pose)
This seated spinal twist stimulates the spine, promoting flexibility and strengthening the back muscles and this has a therapeutic effect on the mind. Here’s how to perform it:
- Sit with your legs extended.
- Bend your right knee, placing the foot outside your left thigh.
- Twist your torso to the right, placing your left elbow on the outside of your right knee.
Perform these yoga poses regularly to gain these benefits and improve your mental strength and agility!
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