Summer is almost over, which means so is those long vacation days relaxing at the beach. Coming back to school or work can be difficult. Our attention seems to drift off into space and we don’t pay attention to the things that matter like getting our work done or even going to class. Yoga has actually been proven to help with concentration.
Yoga has a number of benefits on your brain. Just 20 minutes of yoga can help with concentration, memory, and help you learn more effectively, according a recent study.
So how can you improve your concentration? If yoga isn’t your thing, you can take rests, exercise in different ways like running, or just make a plan. For those of us who love yoga, these are the exercises that will help you pay attention and get work done.
Seated Meditative Pose
This pose may seem simple, but doing this for five minutes a day can actually help with anxiety and concentration. Meditative Pose will also help reduce stress and is said to increase happiness. To do this pose, sit on the floor and bring your hands together making sure both hands exert pressure on each other. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, concentrating on your inhales and exhales.
Tree Pose
This pose requires a bit more balance and flexibility, but it is another good yoga exercise to help increase attention and productivity. This pose requires you to pay attention and concentrate your energy in staying balanced, which makes it a great practice to prepare you for school and work. To do this pose, stand tall with your arms by your side. Bend the right leg at the knee, raise the right thigh and bring the sole of the right foot as high up the inside of the left thigh as possible. Then, raise both arms over the head with your elbow unbent and join your palms. Keep your balance for at least 10 seconds then switch sides.
Tree pose will also stretch the thighs, groins, torso, and shoulders. It will help build strength in your ankles as well as tone the abdominal.
Warrior Pose
The Warrior Pose is another great yoga exercise to help with concentration, focus and courage. This pose will engage the full body. To do this pose, have your legs about 3 feet apart with your arms stretched out. Your arms will be parallel to the floor with your palms facing down. Turn your right foot so it will be pointed at the top of the mat and your left will be slightly angled inward. Bend your right knee and turn your head to the right with your torso facing the side of your mat.
The warrior pose has a number of benefits besides focus. It will energize the entire body, strengthen your shoulders, arms, legs and back and encourage good circulation and respiration.
Another great way to stay focused besides yoga, is to stay hydrated. Drinking water can help you improve focus and reaction time. Remember to keep hydrated with your Glasstic and practice your yoga techniques to maximize your work and school performance.
