Focus is shrinking as overstimulation reaches an all-time high, whether from the endless stream of notifications, constant screen exposure or surging work demands.
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Because of this pressure, the ability to concentrate and stay focused on tasks is waning. But the mental clutter does not have to be permanent. With simple lifestyle habits, you can create pockets of calming stillness, which help to restore a sense of balance and give you the strength to focus and process information with greater clarity.
Yoga asanas come into the picture here. Himalayan Siddha Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared with HT Lifestyle that practising yoga helps to bring about a sense of calm, improving focus.
“The ancient yoga teachings highlight that a balanced body will result in a concentrated mind. As body calmness increases, the mind also becomes clear,” he explained.
Here are some of the poses he recommended, along with a guide on how to do them and why it works:
1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
How to do it:
- Sit with legs extended. Inhale to lengthen the spine, then exhale and fold forward, reaching toward your feet.
- Take a heavy breath of 5-8 deep breaths, relaxing the neck.
Why it works:
- Forwards relax the mind and alleviate anxiety.
- Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which enhances memory consolidation and mental endurance.
6. Bhramari Preparation Pose (Seated with Let out Moaning)
How to do it:
- Both sit in a posture of meditation.
- Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and exhale with a soft humming sound.
- Repeat 5 times.
Why it works:
- The motion activates the focus and emotion control regions of the brain.
- It helps to decrease the noises in the minds of the students, enabling them to think better.
When there are already so many distractions, with a significant dent in attention span, it becomes essential to make space in your daily routine to practise activities that help improve concentration. Yoga asanas gently guide the body into a state of calm, allowing the mind to follow.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.