Copy submitted by Health & Fitness Travel.
Suduko and crosswords can help boost our brain power by improving focus and memory and enhancing concentration, but did you know practising yoga for just 20 minutes a day can do wonders for your brain too? A recent study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health showed that 20 minutes of being on the mat can in fact be better for our brains than jogging like crazy on a treadmill for 20 minutes. In cognitive tests, those who did yoga for this period performed faster and more correctly than the sweaty bunch.
Benefits Body & Mind
We move through a busy world that’s full of technology, air pollution and noise – this makes it even more important to set aside a few minutes every day for yoga practice. Yoga allows us to focus on breathing and staying in the moment. The flow of movement with awareness brings peace, calm and mental awareness. The asanas, Pranayama and the various meditation techniques stimulate blood supply to the brain, which facilitates the processing of sensory information, improving concentration and sharpening the static and dynamic aspects of our memory. Yoga ultimately strengthens body and mind.
Pose Power
Sirsasana (the headstand) is known as the king of poses and is very beneficial for brain health, as fresh oxygenated blood is sent to the head, which in turn reduces anxiety and stress. This brings clarity of thought and willpower. Sarvagasana (the shoulder stand) is known as the queen (or mother) of all poses and again sends fresh oxygenated blood to the brain, which sedates the nervous system. Poses such as Uttanasana (standing forward fold) and Pachimottonasana (seated forward fold) reduce fatigue, calms the mind and improves concentration.
You are what you Eat
The colon (known as the second brain) should be kept healthy at all costs. This can be achieved through daily yoga practice and maintaining a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Eat lots of green leafy vegetables and wholegrains (preferably organic) and foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, such as sardines and salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds. Ginkgo Biloba improves circulation and the flow of oxygen to the brain, enhances good memory and may even prevent dementia. The consumption of turmeric and coconut oil slows down the debilitating process of Alzheimer’s. Finally remember to always drink lots of water and add a slice or two of lemon to help flush out toxins for a clear body and mind.
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Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK in 2010 and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph and Adam Heathcote as a result of their passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives. Health and Fitness Travel offers clients a tailor-made seamless service with the very best health and fitness holidays, handpicked by its expert team, together with exclusive and added value packages with the best deals.
