Our brain is kind of a big deal! This little organ has amazing powers and capabilities that may leave you speechless. It acts as the control center of our body and keeps our heart beating and lungs breathing. It also has a creative side that allows us to express our thoughts and emotions, learn complex languages, store memories and even win a rummy game with a bad hand! That’s why it is always a good idea to keep a tab on your cognitive health.
However, there are many people who take their brains for granted. As we age, our brain grows old too. If not taken care of, it may get degenerated and start suffering from several mental disorders. So to preserve your brain’s capacities, you can undertake several measures, such as practicing yoga daily. Yoga is one of the best ways to alleviate stress and anxiety.
In honor of International Yoga Day, we bring to you a list of asanas that can help you boost your brain power to the maximum.
1. Padmasana (The lotus pose)
An instant way to rejuvenate your mind is to sit cross-legged and practice padmasana. It is a meditative posture that can be performed even on a full stomach and works to calm your brain. Moreover, it also works to stretch your knees, flex your thighs, improve body posture and increase awareness.
How to perform Padmasana: Sit cross-legged by placing your right foot on your left thigh and your left foot on your right thigh. Make sure to point your feet upward. Keep your hands in a mudra position (index finger and thumb together) and breathe in and out.
2. Sirsasana (The headstand)
Also known as the king of yoga, Sirsasana calms your entire body right away. It helps to stimulate the hypophyseal gland (controls the body’s basic operations), improves digestion, cures asthma and strengthens lungs, arms and legs. This asana can be very difficult to perform as it requires complete inversion of your body. However, once you get a hold of it, your mind will benefit a lot from this asana.
How to perform Sirsasana: Make sure to perform this asana on an empty stomach. Balance your head using your hands and elbows forming an equilateral triangle. Now try to pull your legs in the air using the core balance of your body.
3. Vajrasana (The diamond pose)
Also known as “the diamond pose,” Vajrasana is a kneeling exercise that involves breathing in and out. This asana is very helpful to enhance the blood flow to your brain and keep it stable. Along with this, it also helps to improve digestion and combat stomach disorders. If practiced regularly, your body will become strong like a diamond.
How to perform Vajrasana: Kneel on the floor and sit by pulling your knees and ankles together. Make sure that the bottom of your feet face upward and the toes touch the back of your thighs. Now place your hands on your thighs and adjust your pelvis backward or forward. Keep your head straight and breathe in and out.
4. Paschimottanasana (The seated forward bend pose)
Touted as a classic yoga pose, this asana is perfect for stretching your body and back. It also works wonders on relieving stress and anxiety. This asana strengthens your spine and reduces fatigue and high blood pressure. You can practice this pose on an empty stomach in the morning or evening.
How to perform Paschimottanasana: Sit with your legs extended straight in front of you. Allow the bottomtop of your thighs and calves to touch the floor. Now lean forward from your hips and touch your feet with your hands. Also, let your elbows touch the floor (depending upon how far you can stretch). Exhale when you stretch out completely.
5. Halasana (The plow pose)
Halasana is popularly known as “the plow pose” as this pose resembles the plow used in farming activities. This asana is focused on bringing down depression and calming your mind. It also provides a good stretch to your shoulders and regulates metabolism. Practice this yoga pose only on an empty stomach.
How to perform Halasana: Lie down on the floor with your arms and palms facing downward. Now use your hands and abdominal muscles to raise your legs. Slowly inhale and sweep your legs over your head. Allow them to touch the floor.Yoga is one of the healthiest ways to uplift our minds and keep it in a better condition. Practice these asanas daily and save yourself from fatigue and possible mental illnesses. Along with yoga, try playing mind games like online rummy. It is a skill game that requires logical thinking, analytical reasoning and decision-making skills to win. Moreover, if you already know the rummy tips and strategies, you can use your knowledge and gaming skills to win cash games. However, if you are new to the game, you can download the Junglee Rummy app and get started with practice matches to hone your skills. Once you feel confident about your skills, you can start playing cash games and tournaments and stand a chance to take home cash winnings. Register on the platform now and get a welcome bonus up to ₹5250 on making your first deposit! Happy gaming!
