Introduction
Our brain is our powerhouse and our treasure chest. Every memory created, every dream fulfilled, every achievement or success attained and conquered, is associated with our brain in one way or the other. The more focus we can throw on a particular subject the better our performance. Just as our body needs regular workouts to remain fit and healthy so does our brain. Age and health conditions can lower the power of our brain. Thus it is a known fact that just as the body dwindles so does the mind. Often people obsess over maintaining a healthy lifestyle to boost their physical performance but little to no importance is given to the brain which in the long run can affect brain health adversely. This can in turn lead to memory loss, loss of concentration, and various other issues. So it is important to maintain the health of one’s brain. Various brain-power boosting techniques have been adopted by people over the years. In this article, we will discuss how yoga can have a positive impact on one’s brain and help boost brain power and its overall functioning.
Importance of Brain Power Stimulation
Our brain is our main source of connection with the world around us. It helps us to analyze, gather information, understand, acts, and react based on the analysis it garners by staying active and alert. Brain health is of utmost importance as it helps us to have a clear perception of how to perform, work, play, and even rest well when the time calls for it. The more we stimulate our brain and put it to rational use the better its performance. Various mind stimulating games, exercises, aromatherapy, mindfulness retreats, being socially active, and making apt lifestyle changes can help keep our brain healthy and focused. Incorporating superfoods like walnuts, avocados, fatty fish, dark chocolate, turmeric, blueberries, etc into our regular diet also helps to boost brain performance. Health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can harm one’s brain just as much as a history of diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc. if it runs in the family. So it is very important to prioritize brain health over anything else. Science has proved time and again that positive changes and conscious efforts made towards altering diseases do prove fruitful over time, so best to attempt it whilst time lasts.
Why Yoga To Increase Brain Power
Yoga brings the mind and body to a state of ultimate peace and harmony. It helps to clear the mind, de-stress both the mind and the body and helps to rejuvenate and nourish a person from the inside out. Various yoga asanas aids in boosting brain functioning by improving memory power, promoting better sleep, sharpens the brain, and improves overall brain health. Yoga can be practiced anywhere as long as one has in hand a yoga mat, some peace, calm and serenity around them. It has no side effects and ensures overall improved health and well being. As long as one follows the step-by-step instructions of yoga asanas under the guidance of an expert one is good to go.
Types of Yoga Poses to Increase Brain Power
Paschimottanasana
- Sit down straight on the floor with both the legs outstretched in the front and toes flexed towards you.
- Take a deep breath. Slowly raise the arms above the head and stretch.
- Then gently breathe out bending forward. You should sense the fold from the hip joints and the chin should move towards the shin.
- Stretch out the arms as much as possible but comfortably, inclining towards or touching the toes.
- Breathe in and then stretch the spine lifting the head gently.
- Breathe out and then move the navel to the knees.
- Repeat the above steps a few times. After this place the head on the legs and stay in that position for a while.
- Breathe in and return to the sitting position with both arms outstretched.
- Gently breathe out lowering the arms.
Avoid the above asana if one has diarrhea, asthma. Pregnant women and those with back injuries should strictly follow instructions from an expert advisor.
Halasana
- Lie down on the floor on your back. Place both arms beside the body with the palms facing the earth.
- Take a deep breath and using the abdominal muscles gently raise the feet off the ground bringing the legs to a 90-degree angle.
- Using the hands to support the hips, lift them off the floor.
- Then bring the feet to a 180-degree angle in such a way that the toes are placed away from the head, over and beyond it.
- At this stage, the back should be perpendicular to the floor.
- Stay in this position for about a minute and breathe in and out gently throwing focus on it.
- Breathe out and bring the legs down slowly but steadily without causing it to shake.
Avoid the pose during diarrhea, neck injury, pregnancy and menstruation.
those with asthma and high blood pressure should use props to support the legs.
Padmasana
- Sit on the yoga mat with the spine straight and the legs outstretched.
- Bend the right knee slowly by using the hands to place it gently on the left thigh. At this stage, the sole should face upwards with the heel close to the abdomen.
- Repeat these steps with the opposite leg.
- Once the legs are crossed comfortably with both feet placed on the opposite thighs, make a preferred mudra using the hands and remain in position with both hands placed on the knees.
- The head should be kept straight and the spine erect throughout this yoga pose.
- Take in and out deep breaths, holding the position for a few minutes before releasing.
- Repeat all the above steps using the opposite leg on to.
This pose should be avoided in case of an ankle or knee injury.
Vajrasana
- Start the pose by kneeling with the lower legs stretched backward and kept together with the big toes and heels held tightly close.
- Slowly rest the buttocks on the heels by lowering the body, with the thighs resting on the calf muscles.
- Keep the head straight and place the hands on the knees, staring straight ahead.
- Focus on the breathing as you breathe in and breathe out.
- Close the eyes gently to better concentrate and bring the mind to a state of calmness.
- Stay in this position for at least 5-10 minutes.
Avoid this pose if you have a knee injury. Those who are pregnant, have hernia issues or have any problem related to the small and large intestines should strictly take the guidance of a yoga instructor.
Sirsasana
- Place on the floor a soft but sturdy blanket. Kneel and intertwine the fingers placing the forearms on the floor. the elbows should be shoulder-width apart.
- Press the inner wrists on the floor by nudging the upper arms.
- Place the crown of the head on the blanket.
- Keeping the base of both palms together fit the crown against the tightly-held hands.
- Gently breathe in and lift the knees. Work towards the elbows with the heels raised off the floor.
- Lift through the thighs with the body assuming an inverted V shape.
- Push the shoulder blades against the back.
- Lift them towards the tailbone such that the front part of the body is elongated. This position ensures the safety of the head and neck.
- Gently breathe out, lifting both feet off the ground together. Place the legs perpendicular to the ground with the heels pushing skywards and make the tailbone firm against the back part of the pelvis.
- At this stage, the body should form a straight line.
- Make sure that the body weight is distributed equally on both forearms.
- As a beginner hold the pose for 10 seconds and increase the timespan with practice and patience for up to 5 minutes.
Avoid this pose in case of back and neck injury, menstruation, headache, high blood pressure, cardiac issues.
Conclusion
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best way to guarantee our internal organs remain healthy and functional as we age. Exercising regularly, consuming a balanced diet, resting when needed, and sleeping on time are some of the easiest ways one can ensure the same. Avoid over-working the brain and stressing unnecessarily. Brain supplements also help to boost brainpower. Genbrain is one such nootropic that is reliable. Simply follow instructions mentioned in the enclosed leaflet and you are good to go. So don’t wait until your brain and other organs deteriorate over time, take care of them at the earliest to lead a healthy and happy life.