Practicing yoga boosts the circulation of oxygen and blood in the entire body, brain included, leading to a beneficial effect on our cognitive abilities.
Engaging in yoga regularly can significantly enhance both our physical and mental well-being. This ancient practice prioritizes mindful breathing and body awareness, leading to increased focus and better retention. Moreover, by improving oxygen and blood circulation, yoga benefits cognitive abilities by nourishing the brain with vital nutrients.
In the midst of their academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, children and students juggle multiple responsibilities. Yoga serves as a valuable tool to enhance their focus, boost memory retention, and promote profound concentration. Such benefits not only bolster their academic performance but also foster holistic growth and equip them with effective stress management skills.
Exploring seven yoga poses that can enhance children’s memory.
- The Sun Salutation, known as Surya Namaskar, is a popular yoga sequence practiced in schools for its myriad benefits ranging from physical health improvement to enhanced concentration. Consisting of 12 poses, it commences with Pranamasana, incorporating deep breaths and a straight posture. The Child’s Pose, Balasana, involves kneeling on the mat with the back resting on the heels, arms stretched out, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. Anulom Vilom Pranayama, another common technique, focuses on alternate nostril breathing to increase brain blood flow and reduce stress. Vrikshasana, or the Tree Pose, enhances focus and memory by balancing on one leg with the other placed on the inner thigh. Sarvangasana, the Shoulder Stand, boosts strength, flexibility, and mental acuity by inverting the body. Trataka Dhyan entails gazing at a single point like a candle flame, aiding mental clarity, memory, and awareness. Paschimottanasana, the Seated Forward Bend, improves blood flow, memory, and focus by stretching the spine, shoulders, and hamstrings when performed with proper breathing techniques.ning with Pranamasana which involves deep breathing and standing upright.
- Balasana (Child’s pose)Kneel on the mat until your back rests on your heels. Stretch your arms and breathe. This posture promotes relaxation and improves mental clarity.
- Anulom Volom PranayanaAnother common yoga technique, anulom vilom involves breathing in and out through each nostril. This practice increases the blood flow to the brain increasing mental clarity. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- Vrikshasana (Tree pose)This pose involves balancing the body on one leg while placing the other on the inner thigh of the standing leg. Your arms should be stretched at the top, folded. This practice can enhance focus leading to better memory. It is also believed to calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety.
- Sarvagasana (Shoulder stand)This is a full-body exercise which involves inverting yourself and resting on the shoulders. This yoga asana can enhance strength, flexibility, and circulation, and promote mental clarity.
- Trataka DhyanThe trataka dhyan involves sitting in a comfortable position and focusing on a single point, usually a candle flame. The simple yet effective exercise can improve mental clarity, boost memory and promote a heightened sense of awareness. Apart from this, this exercise can also improve eyesight.
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)The Paschimottanasana stretches the spine, shoulders and hamstrings. This asana significantly improves blood flow and can improve memory while boosting focus. To perform this, sit on the floor with your toes stretched in front of you, press your bone in the direction of the floor and lengthen your spine. Exhale and inhale for a few minutes.
