Yoga for Concentration

We live in a short attention span world. Between Twitter, Facebook, text messages, and TV, we’re used to getting information and processing it in teensy little bursts. While that’s great for communication, it’s not so great for our overall concentration.

It might seem a bit overwhelming to tear ourselves away from the screen and take some time to just breathe and focus, but the benefits are well worth it! Yoga, especially poses that require balancing and deep breathing, is excellent for improving concentration. Just like anything else, all it takes is a little practice!

This yoga routine focuses on moving slowly, breathing deeply, and sinking into the flow of the poses.

Yoga Routine for Concentration

Breathe to Find Your Center

Start out in easy pose, sitting cross legged, focusing on keeping your back straight. Imagine a string going up your spine and up into the sky. Take a few slow, deep breaths and set your intention for your practice. It could be something as simple as improving your concentration and focus or something more personal to you.

Once you’re relaxed, do a couple of breathing exercises to further focus your mind:

Alternate Nostril Breathing. Hold up your right hand, so the palm faces you, and fold down the pointer and middle fingers. With your ring finger, pinch closed your left nostril, and breathe in through the right, filling your lungs with air. Release the right nostril, then use your thumb to close the left nostril and exhale completely. Repeat this alternating breath for a couple of minutes.
Controlled Breathing. Still sitting cross legged, rest your hands on your knees, palms facing up. Inhale to a count of 4, hold for 4 slow counts, then exhale to a count of 8. Repeat this controlled breathing exercise 10 times.

>>Next: Twist to Improve Concentration

Image Credit: Yoga for Concentration photo via Thinkstock