With an increasing level of stress and an increasing weight of responsibilities in our life, we are slowly moving away from our own self. A hassle free life has become a thing of the past and even the young, fresh youth has started growing restless and inattentive. In such conditions, it becomes difficult for a person to offer full concentration and focus on anything, be it your work, your studies, your thoughts or simply your ‘self’. However, it’s not something you need to get anxious about. It’s time for you to train your mind and body and to delve into the world of Yoga. Yoga could be the key for a refreshed and energetic mind irrespective of factors like age or gender. It has been extensively studied and proven that Yoga helps the brain increase its overall activity, improves your blood circulation, keeps your body charged and thus, in turn, helps in retaining attention and focus. We have listed out a few basic Yoga exercises and postures that will help you keep your mind healthy and under your control, while at the same time are also easy to practice.
BREATHING EXERCISES
Kapalbhati Pranayama
The Sanskrit word ‘Kapal’ means forehead and ‘Bhati’ means glow thus implying towards its most explicit result which is to bring a certain kind of fresh glow to your face. As a breathing exercise, this Pranayama ensures a healthy pulmonary system. It makes your diaphragm flexible which then allows a smooth and relaxed breathing process which in turn removes all the tensions accumulated in your mind and body and allows you to guide undivided attention towards anything. This exercise is to be done while sitting down. You need to close your eyes while you inhale from both your nostrils. You will feel an expansion within your chest. After holding your breath for a few seconds, you exhale and feel your stomach go in. This should be repeated for at least 5 minutes in order to get the desired results.
Read Also: 7 Excellent Health Benefits of Kapalbhati Pranayama
Anulom Vilom
Anulom Vilom can be counted as one of the most popular Yogic breathing exercises. The breathing pattern followed in this exercise allows your body to open up from within to generate a great degree of energy. This way, your mind gets rid of all the negativity it had been harboring, allows a total detox and prepares itself for healthy and focused mental activities. In order to practice this exercise, you need to first sit with your legs folded (Sukhasana or Padmasana). You need to close your eyes and bring your focus towards your breathing. Cover one nostril and start taking deep breaths. Now close the nostril you were breathing in from, hold your breath, and then eventually breathe out from the other nostril. Continue this pattern for the next 10-15 minutes.
Read Also: 10 Health Benefits of Anulom Vilom Pranayama
Bhastrika Pranayama
This breathing exercise is usually carried out to detoxify your upper body and strengthen your heart and lungs. It clears your air tracts and opens up any blockages in your body. This practice allows rich amount of oxygen to reach your brain. It energizes your nervous system and provides enough ventilation so that your mind attains a significant degree of focus. To perform Bhastrika Pranayama, you need to sit cross legged. You have to bring to your focus to your own breathing pattern and then slowly try to guide it. Start off with inhaling a long, deep breath, focusing greatly on how the air enters through your nose and through your air tracts, reaches your lungs. While you’re consciously aware of the air present in your lung, let go off the toxins and exhale. Continue this process for good 5-10 minutes.
Read Also: Top 7 Health Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama
ASANAS OR YOGIC POSES
Tadasana
The main focus of this asana is to help you breathe smoothly and allow your brain to relax. It is mostly used to treat people who suffer from the problems of insomnia, migraines, or major headaches. It helps you sleep better and therefore allows your brain to function at its best. All you need to do is to stand with your feet joined together and fingers pointing to the ground. You need to stand upright in such a way that you feel your spine stretching. Then breathe in and exhale a gentle shot of air from your mouth.
Read Also: 5 Excellent Health Benefits of Tadasana
Vrikshasana
As the name suggests, the pose is concerned with replicating the position of a tree. The asana is mostly practiced to maintain physical body balance while also ensuring equilibrium within the body. To do this, you need to bend your right knee while taking the foot and placing it on your left thigh. Ensure that your left leg is straight and then raise your arms overhead to clasp your palms in a Namaste mudra. Maintain a steady gaze, find your balance and then slowly inhale and exhale.
Padmasana
Unlike the previously mentioned asanas, this one is a sitting-down pose. The position of sitting makes the practitioner shape up like a lotus and hence the name “Padma” asana. It helps you stay calm and retain focus for long stretches of time. All you need to do is sit on the floor with your right foot on the left thigh and vice versa. Keep your head upright and your spine stretched and straight. Hold this position and then simply and slowly breathe in and out.
Above mentioned yogic exercises and poses can be the key for you to be more focused and attentive towards your life and yourself. Start practicing and ‘slaying’ in all arenas of life!
