We live in a world today that is filled with distractions.  Our daily lives operate at high speed, with a wide variety of people, technology, and other things vying for our attention.  So, it is no wonder our attention spans as a species are shrinking.  Did you know the attention span of a goldfish is about 4 seconds? Sadly, the attention span of humans has been steadily declining and is said to be about 8 seconds right now.  That’s twice the attention span of a goldfish.  That’s a little depressing considering we like to think of ourselves as an intelligent, advanced species.

No doubt you have noticed your own attention waning as well.  It is happening to all of us to some degree or another.  But what can we do to combat that, to improve our focus and concentration?  Believe it or not, yoga is an excellent way to improve focus and concentration.  How, you may ask?

Yoga is well known for improving physical health, but it also has a profound impact on our mental wellbeing too.  Practicing yoga on a regular basis helps your mind to be calm and peaceful.  And when your mind is calm and peaceful, it is much easier to focus and concentrate.  Practicing yoga, like meditation, helps clear the mental clutter from our minds so we can sustain better focus in our daily tasks.

And even if you don’t attend regular yoga classes, there are certain poses you can practice on your own to gain the benefits of a mind that is calmer and more peaceful.  Give these a try:

1. Tree Pose
2. Mountain pose
3. Dancer pose
4. Eagle pose
5. Seated forward fold
6. Camel pose
7. Child’s pose
8. Savasana (Corpse pose/final relaxation)

So, it you are struggling with your focus and concentration, give yoga a try.  Calm you mind, let go of some of that mental clutter, and increase your overall focus.  You will be amazed how it positively impacts all aspects of your life. Namaste.