Do you find it difficult to remember things and concentrate on your work? It may be due to a lack of brain agility. Your brain plays a phenomenal role in performing 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 power to combat factors that contribute to brain degeneration.
Health Shots contacted Mansoor Baluch, a renowned yoga coach, to find out which yoga poses can improve brain strength and fitness.
9 yoga poses to increase brain power
1. Bhramari pranayama
This yoga pose involves a calming breathing technique that reduces stress and anxiety and promotes cognitive function. Here’s how to do it:
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
- Breathe in deeply through your nose and as you exhale, make a buzzing sound, like a bee.
- As you exhale, gently close your ears with your thumbs and place your index fingers on your forehead.
- Repeat this process a few times, focusing on the soothing vibration in your head.
2. Padmasana (lotus position)
Padmasana is a meditative pose that encourages correct posture and focused breathing. This helps calm the mind and promote mental clarity. Here’s how to do 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 back straight, hands on your knees and palms facing up.
- Take a deep breath and find a meditative state.
3. Vajrasana (lightning bolt pose)
Vajrasana is known to aid digestion and a healthy gut is linked to a healthy mind. Here’s how to do it:
- Kneel on the floor with your big toes together and your heels apart.
- Sit on your heels and keep your spine straight.
- Place your hands on your thighs and focus on your breathing.
4. Paschitmottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
This forward bend posture stimulates the nervous system and improves blood circulation to the brain. Here’s how to do it:
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended.
- Inhale and lengthen your spine.
- Exhale, bend forward from your hips and reach your feet.
- Hold your feet or shins and keep your back straight.
- Feel the stretch along your spine, which promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
5. Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)
In this yoga pose you balance the entire body on your shoulders. In addition to improving brain strength, it also positively affects the thyroid gland and regulates metabolism and energy levels. Here’s how to do it:
- Lie on your back, lift your legs and bring them over your head.
- Support your lower back with your hands and extend your legs upwards.
- Keep your body in a straight line, balancing on your shoulders.
- This inversion pose improves blood circulation to the brain, improving focus.
Also read: These 5 daily habits can harm your brain health
6. Halasana (Plow Pose)
Halasana stimulates the brain by increasing 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 do it:
- Lie on your back, lift your legs above your head and touch the ground behind you.
- Support your lower back with your hands and keep 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 do it:
- Kneel on the floor and place your hands shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your elbows and bring your torso forward, resting it on your triceps.
- Lift your legs and stretch them back.
8. Sirsasana (Headstand)
This yoga pose increases blood circulation and nourishes brain cells, improving cognitive function. Here’s how to do it:
- Start on your hands and knees.
- Lower your forearms to the floor, interlocking your fingers.
- Place the crown of your head on the floor and lift your hips toward the ceiling.
- Straighten your legs and form a straight line from head to toe.
9. Ardha matsyenrasana (half lord of the fishes pose)
This seated spinal twist stimulates the spine, promotes flexibility and strengthens the back muscles and has a therapeutic effect on the mind. Here’s how to do it:
- Sit with your legs extended.
- Bend your right knee and place the foot outside your left thigh.
- Rotate your torso to the right and place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee.
Perform these yoga poses regularly to reap these benefits and improve your mental strength and agility!