5 yoga poses to improve memory
Yoga is a one-stop shop for body, mind and soul. Yoga is known for its stress relief and calming effects. Anything that soothes our mind in this way, will automatically empower it and enhance its performance. There are many yoga techniques that are known to stimulate the brain and nervous system, which in turn improves memory and concentration. Here are top 5 yoga poses to improve memory.
PADAHASTASANA
Padahastasana or the Hand Under Foot pose is a ‘forward bend asana’. The name is a combination of the words pada (foot), hasta (hand), and asana (posture).
How to:
Stand straight on the mat and raise your hands up. Bending from your hips, lower yourself all the way down, your hands laying on the mat (if possible). Hold the back of your legs, wherever you can reach, and pull yourself towards your knees. Slowly, place your feet on your palms.
Why to:
It strengthens the thighs and calves as well as the lower back. It firms the buttocks and abdomen by working on your core stomach muscles. It improves posture and balance, and helps to control digestive problems.
SARVANGASANA
Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand pose comes from the Sanskrit words – ‘Sarva’ (all) and ‘Anga’ (part). This posture is otherwise referred to as the Queen of Asanas.
How to:
Start by laying down on a yoga mat and bend your legs at the knees. Pull your legs closer to your upper body and then lift them upwards. Slowly lift your upper body off the ground. Push your hips upwards so your entire body (upper body and legs) are aligned in a straight line and form a 90 degree angle with the floor.
Why to:
It calms the nerves of our body, aids in fighting digestive disorders, and reduces anxiety, insomnia and irritability. It regulates the functions of all the glands in the body.
BAKASANA
Bakasana is usually the first arm balance which a yoga beginner attempts. The pose gets its name from the Sanskrit words “Baka” (crane) and “asana”.
How to:
Stand straight on the mat and fold at the hips, bending down with your body lying perfectly on your thighs. Slightly, bend your knees too, pushing your body forward. Place your palms on the ground and come onto your toes. Finally, shift forward and lift your feet off the ground.
Why to:
It strengthens the arms and wrists, stretches the upper back, strengthens the abdominal muscles, opens the groins and tones the abdominal organs.
PASCHIMOTTANASANA
Paschimottanasana is also known as the Seated Forward Bend or Intense Dorsal Stretch.
How to:
Start by sitting with your legs stretched out in your front. As you inhale, raise your arms up so that your hands are aligned with your ears. Now, as you exhale, push your chin forward and bend down as much as you can. Hold on to your toes, or if possible, wrap your fingers around your feet and interlock your fingers and bring your forehead to rest on your legs. Make sure to not bend your knees.
Why to:
It helps people with diabetes and family history of diabetes. It helps the liver and spleen to function properly. Also strengthens the lumbar and sacral regions. It regulates appetite and balances your metabolism.
VRIKSASANA
Vrikshasana, or the tree pose, is one of the most basic postures in Yoga. The name comes from the Sanskrit words vriksha meaning "tree", and asana meaning "posture".
How to:
Start by standing straight on a yoga mat. Now, transfer all your weight onto your left leg and slowly bend your right leg at the knee. Reach down and hold on to your right ankle and pull it all the way up, placing your heel as close to your groin as possible. Now, bring your hands to your chest, joining at the palms, such that your hands are aligned with your leg.
Why to:
This posture improves balance, stability, posture and concentration. It also increases the range of the motion of the hips and tones the muscles of the legs, back and chest.
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