Recharge Your Body & Mind

The new generation of school-going children are now noticeably busier than some working adults. School, tuitions, enrichment classes, extra co-curricular activities, homeworks and revisions — these are just among the endless list of a child’s typical weekly routine. Even though they are often referred to as little balls of energy, they do sometimes ‘burn out’ and as a result, their level of concentration and attention span decreases, and the focus on tasks at hand diminishes. And when this happens, no matter how long they sit in front of their books, nothing seems to register. Most children find this excruciating and parents find it a nightmare as they can only watch in vain when their children are in a state of lethargy.

Let’s face it. We all know that that the brain is not the only thing we need when we study. The physical and mental systems need to be in top condition to remain in synchronisation which each other. So, what are the simple ways that we can use to recharge the mind and the body? Let’s try out some of the many asanas (physical postures) that can help in boosting the energy level. Try these before starting your revisions and feel the difference!

Utthita Lolasana – Swinging the Upper Body

Method:

1. Stand with legs wide apart.
2. While inhaling, raise both arms above the head and allow the wrists to relax so tht the hands drop forwards.
3. Then while exhaling, bend the upper body forward and swing the trunk down from the hips, allowing the arms and legs to swing through between the legs.
4. Repeat the raising and swinging of the upper body 5 times

Benefits:

• Helps remove tiredness by stimulating the circulation and toning the spinal nerves, thus energising the whole body.

Paschimottanasana – Back Stretching Pose

Method:

1. Sit on the floor with legs outstretched and palms on the floor by sides of the hips and inhale
2. While exhaling, bend forward and hold the big toes with corresponding hands, and keep the face on the knees.
3. Take a few normal breaths.
4. Now, inhale and come up to starting position

Repeat 5 times.

Benefits:

• Tones up the abdominal organs and keeps them free from sluggishness.
• Stimulates circulation to the nerves and muscles of the spine.

Bhumi Pada Mastakasana – Half Headstand

Method:

1. Starting with Marjari asana (cat pose), turn the toes under, place the crown of the head on the floor between the hands.
2. Straighten the knees and raise the buttocks, balancing on the head and feet.
3. Bring the heels together and separate the toes. Raise the arms and clasp the hand beside the buttocks.
4. Slowly return to Marjari asana (cat pose)and then lower to Shashankasana (moon pose) for a few moments.

Benefits:

• Strengthen the neck muscles and brings a rich supply of blood to the brain.

This article was featured in YogaMail Jul-Sept 2011 issue.