Yoga techniques to improve brain power

Our brains are such marvellous organs that are capable of doing so much more than what we can even think of doing! Protecting and looking after our mental health and well-being should always be our top priority. Even a kid, we used to play memory games, for the sole reason of developing and keeping the brain sharp. With age, we slowly start building our brainpower and as we grow old, the brain also tends to lose its power. This can be the cause of many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Dementia.
You must have noticed how a few years back, we used to remember all the phone numbers, and now, we can’t even remember a 6 digit OTP without reading it twice. This is because we are so dependent on technology that we have given complete rest to our brains. This is wrong, use your brain for as many tasks as you can, like:
- Remembering at least 8-10 phone numbers
- Doing easy mathematical calculations
- Writing your to-do list on a piece of paper and not your e-calendar
- Remembering birthdays and special occasions
Here are some yogic techniques to improve and enhance your brainpower:

1. Asanas: Yoga is a holistic science. It not only harnesses the innate capability of looking after the body but also helps to boost cognitive functions.
- Sarvangasana: This helps to nourish the brain and normalises the thyroid glands. Since the legs are against the gravity in this asana, more blood reaches the hypothalamus and pineal gland.
- Paschimottanasana : This asana stimulates the spine and helps to calm the mind. It can also help to reduce fatigue and headache while curing insomnia and high blood pressure.
- Do you remember the punishment that we used to get in the school of holding the ears and doing sit-ups? Well, that is an age-old technique of activating the pressure points on the earlobes. This simple punishment activity helps to stimulate the grey matter in the brain, thereby synchronising right and left side of the brain. This not only boosts your decision-making skills but also makes you psychologically balanced.

2. Pranayamas: Our right nostril is sun dominated and left is moon dominated. By breathing through the left nostril, we can activate the right brain and we can activate the left brain by the right nostril.
- Anulom Vilom is one such pranayama that helps to balance both these hemispheres and improves the functioning of the brain.
- Bhramari Pranayama improves memory and concentration and also helps to build confidence. It is an efficient practice to release any negative emotions like anger or anxiety.

3. Dhyaan: You can simply bring about mindfulness in your routine to improve brainpower. Start off with one-one senses to bring one-pointedness.
- Jyoti Tratak helps to improve your concentration.
- Nishpandha Bhavana helps to fine-tune your ears and develop one-pointedness.
- Meditation on your breath is the best way to improve brainpower.
Meditation not only reduces your stress levels but also improves memory, brainpower, and brain functioning. Regular practice of Meditation can delay cognitive decline and also helps to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Games and Puzzles: Just as physical movement is essential for the body, the brain also needs some form of exercise to stay 100% fit. Brain games and exercises help to keep the brain in good shape and look after the intelligence powerhouse. Memory games, card games, sudoku, or even brushing your teeth with the other hand helps to keep the brain on its toes! Such fun activities also keep stress and anxiety away!

5. Learn something new: We must always keep giving new and engaging challenges to our brains. Whether it is a new language or a new hobby, we must keep learning. This simple activity helps to keep the brain active and busy. Like it is said, ‘An empty mind is a devils workshop,’ we must keep using this organ to its utmost potential. Your ability to understand, respond, function, and perceive information all depends on the health of your brain. Trying and learning something new aids to restructure the brain and create
new pathways which in turn improves the brainpower.
Spare some time out of your busy schedule and look after your brain now, when you have the time, and lead a smarter and healthier life!

Authored by: Dr Hansaji Yogendra , The Yoga Institute