Memory and concentration are not just issues for ‘seniors.’ Losing track of what you were doing or simply forgetting what you were about to say are very real problems for everybody. It plagues everyone from students preparing for exams to professionals wanting to look sharp with everything at their fingertips, and older people simply forgetting stuff over time. There are a number of ways in which one can stay mentally alive — starting with a healthy body and an active mind. Here are some tips.

2. Memory and concentration are not just issues for ‘seniors.’ Losing track of what
you were doing or simply forgetting what you were about to say are very real
problems for everybody. It plagues everyone from students preparing for exams to
professionals wanting to look sharp with everything at their fingertips, and older
people simply forgetting stuff over time.
There are a number of ways in which one can stay mentally alive—starting with a
healthy body and an active mind. Here are some tips.

3. Keep your body and brain active
Going for a small run does more
than just keeping your body in
shape. The increased heart rate and
circulation that accompanies
regular exercise help in sending
more blood to the brain, keeping it
healthy and sharp.

4. Keep stress at bay
Chronic stress and depression are
responsible for the destruction of brain cells.
An unhappy person will have an unhealthy
brain which will not be able to function
optimally. Meditation works well by
eliminating stress thus enhancing
concentration. Laughter is indeed the best
medicine in this case.

5. Eat your way to a better memory
Foods that aid memory and concentration
are colourful fruits, leafy green vegetables,
whole grains, nuts, seeds, vitamin C, vitamin
B, vitamin E, vitamin K and omega-3. These
help in keeping memory loss at bay. The
brain also requires a constant supply of
glucose which the body can sufficiently
derive from carbohydrates.

6. Sleep well for a sharp mind
Poor sleep is a major factor that affects
memory and concentration. A well rested
body is a well rested mind. While sleep
requirements vary from person to person,
ensure that you get at least 7–9 hours of
sleep; plus a nap (even a half-hour cat nap is
plenty) if you can manage it! A good way to
ensure sound sleep is sticking to a fixed time
of going to bed every night, creating a
schedule.

7. Challenge your brain
Give your brain a good workout by pursuing
an activity that makes you step out of your
comfort zone. Constantly challenging your
brain will keep it active and healthy. Engage
yourself in a different activity from the
usual—something as simple as puzzle
solving or getting the hang of a new hobby.
Learning a new language is one of the best
ways to give those brain cells an effective
workout.

8. Boost Your Concentration Power with Yoga
Yoga is an ancient art that means ‘union’,
and its purpose is to unite the mind, body,
and spirit. It is a physical exercise with
twists, turns, and stretches and also has the
goal of unfolding the infinite potential of the
human mind and the soul. The ultimate aim
of practicing yoga is self-development and
self-realization. Yoga gives peace to the mind
and increases a person’s ability to
concentrate. Daily practice of yoga not only
keeps you healthy, but also helps boost
memory power. Even just 20 minutes of
daily yoga improves the brain function.

9. The types of yoga that enhance concentration as well as focus power are as
follows:

10. Prayer Pose
In this pose, you have to stand straight with
your feet together and toes straight. Hands
should be in the position of Namaste near
the center of the heart. Your weight must be
evenly distributed so that the body is
balanced. Take a deep breath and release
slowly.

11. Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
This name came from the Hindu god
Garuda, and it helps to develop
concentration. For this pose, you have to
stand straight and focus on one point. Your
posture must be like that of an eagle, hands
are wrapped with each other and palms are
together.

12. Virabhadrasana II
This posture engages the whole body, and
eyes must be fixed at one point. Stand your
leg apart, arms away from the body, and
palms pointed down. Now, bend your right
knee and shift your weight. Take a deep
breath and release it slowly. Eyes should be
focusing at one point.

13. Nadi Shoddana Pranayama (nose breathing)
This yoga pose will not only enhance your
concentration power, but also keeps your
mind calm and focused. Just 5 minutes of
this daily habit will help to maintain your
overall health. For this pose, you have to sit
in a relaxed position and press your right
nostril with your thumb and breathe deeply.
Now, press the left side and release the right
nostril, continue this process for at least 5
minutes.

14. Meditation
Regular meditation will not only keep you
healthy, but also acts as brain booster and
focus enhancer. In this yoga pose, you have
to just focus on one point, which will help
reduce anxiety and stress. Sit in a relaxed
position and breathe normally. No need to
control your breathing, just work on
stabilizing your mind.

15. Thank You
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