Top 10 Yoga Poses To Improve Your Memory
The humiliation of forgetting key dates, having trouble recalling significant events, and misplacing goods and objects often can be unpleasant. But fret not; there are certain yoga poses to improve your memory. In this article, we have discussed such asanas in detail, their overall health benefits, doing them perfectly, and more. Continue reading to know all about them.
Memory Improving Yoga Poses
- Bakasana (Crane Pose)
- Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
- Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend)
- Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose)
- Halasana (Plow Pose)
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
- Vriksasana (Tree Stand Pose)
- Sukhasana
- Vajrasana
- Reclining Hero Pose
1. Bakasana (Crane Pose)
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Benefits: Bakasana enhances overall balance for which concentration is required alongwith simultaneous working of the required limbs to support this posture. Accomplishing this asana is a great mental feat.
Procedure: Warm up in downward position. Sit in a squatting position on the floor. Keep an arm’s distance between both the knees and keep your feet flat on the ground. Take your palms in between your knees and place them firmly on the ground while keeping your knees and elbows at the same level. Now, move your torso forward, resting the knees on the upper areas of the triceps, lift your legs, and balance the entire body on your palms. Make sure the core is engaged and the heels move up closer to the glutes. Keep your head straight and look ahead.
To know more about this pose, check Bakasana.
2. Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
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Benefits: Padmasana relaxes your mind and reduces muscular tension.
Procedure: Sit on the floor with legs stretched out and spine erect. Bend your right knee and place it on your left thigh. The sole of the right foot should face upward and the heel closer to the abdomen. Repeat the same procedure with the other leg. Now, place your hands on the knees in mudra position. Keep your head straight and breathe gently. Repeat the posture with the alternate leg as well.
3. Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend)
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Benefits: Padahastasana invigorates your nervous system and increases blood supply to your brain.
Procedure: Stand straight with your feet together. Lift your arms straight up over your head. Your arms should touch the ears. Bend down at the hips and reach for your feet. Your torso and head should be facing and hugging the thighs and your hands placed on either side of your feet. Ultimately, place the palms under the soles of the feet.
To learn more about this pose, check Padahastasana.
Related: 10 Effective Yoga Asanas To Stimulate Your Nervous System
4. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose)
Image: iStock
Benefits: Sarvangasana cures insomnia, relieves hypertension and soothes headaches.
Procedure: Lie down on your back keeping your legs together. Lift your legs at an angle of 90 degrees. Press your arms against the floor, bend your elbows, support the dorsal area around the waist with your hands and lift the glutes and the legs higher, making a straight line. Keep your shoulder blades straight.
Did You Know? The word “Sarvangasana” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Sarvāṅga,” which stands for “all limbs,” and “Āsana,” meaning “posture.”
To know more about this pose, check Sarvangasana.
5. Halasana (Plow Pose)
Image: iStock
Benefits: Halasana calms your nervous system, reduces stress and fatigue.
Procedure: Lie down on your back and keep your arms on either side of your body with palms facing down. Lift your legs at a 90-degree angle. Then supporting your hips with your hands, lift them off the ground. Take your feet over your head at an 180-degree angle, making your toes touch the floor. Try to keep your back perpendicular to the floor. Bring back your hands to their initial position.
6. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
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Benefits: Paschimottanasana cures headaches and increases concentration.
Procedure: Sit down with your legs stretched out forward. Raise your hands straight up, with your arms touching the ears. Bend forward at the hips with your abdomen and chest hugging the thighs and your head on the knees. Your fingers should touch your toes, and you can keep your arms a little bent at the elbows.
To know more about this pose, check Paschimottanasana.
7. Vriksasana (Tree Stand Pose)
Image: iStock
Procedure: Stand in Tadasana on an even surface. Stretch your hands up in the air and bring them down. Fold your left leg from the knee and place it on the inner side of your right thigh. Look straight. Join your palms together in prayer position and place them in front of your chest. Close your eyes and relax.
Related: How To Do The Vrikshasana And What Are Its Benefits
8. Sukhasana
Image: iStock
Benefits: This is the best asana to relax your mind, body and soul.
Procedure: Sit on the floor with your legs spread straight in front of you. Bend your left knee and fold it in such a way that the sole of your left foot is placed on the inner side of your right thigh.
Bend your right knee in such a way that the sole of your right foot is placed on the outer side of your left calf muscle. Though not important, it is advisable to sit on a slightly elevated platform, like a folded yoga blanket, so that the spine continues to ascend and the knees point lower. Place your hands on your knees. Keep your back straight and erect. Close your eyes and relax.
9. Vajrasana
Image: iStock
Procedure: Kneel down on the floor.Your knees, big toes and ankles should be parallel to each other and should touch the ground.Place your palms on the knees.Keep your spine straight. Look in the front direction, close your eyes. Relax.
Stylecraze Says Vajrasana may not be ideal for people who have undergone knee surgery recently or have spinal cord issues, as it puts a bit of pressure on those areas. Related: Vajrasana Yoga: How To Do It And What Are Its Benefits?
10. Reclining Hero Pose
By Kennguru (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Procedure:
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- Place your body in Vajrasana pose (refer to the pose mentioned above). Without jerking your spine, try to take the upper torso backwards until your head/back rests on the ground. Keep your hands on the floor at a comfortable distance from your body, palms up. Rest your head on either side of the body or keep it in the center. Close your eyes.
Do try practicing these tips and techniques at home and see the wonderful difference it leaves behind on your mind, body and soul. Happy Practicing!
Yoga can substantially improve a person’s mental and physical health and the ability to cope with stressful situations. It can improve memory, fight anxiety, and deal with other mental disorders. Memory loss is a prevalent problem among today’s population. Living in this manner may even harm one’s self-esteem. The embarrassment of forgetting important dates, having difficulty recalling important events, and misplacing commodities and belongings is common in people who face memory loss. Try out the above yoga asanas and observe the difference they bring to your mind, body, and spirit. Good luck with your practice!
