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In today’s world full of distractions and constant stress, mental clarity and resilience are more important than ever. To achieve this, ancient wisdom has been combined with modern psychological insights to create a new practice called “Cognitive Yoga.”
According to prominent mental health researcher and professor Ishand Shivanand, “cognitive yoga” can help countless people in high-stress jobs and environments by reducing anxiety, depression, insomnia, and burnout.
This pure non-pharma approach to mental well-being is different from the mat yoga most of us know and love, because it is more focused on breathing and awareness, and movement is minimal.
Cognitive Yoga is not a new practice, although it may seem new to us. Its origins can be found in the ancient yogic wisdom and healing sciences of India.
The Genesis of Cognitive Yoga
Cognitive Yoga germinates from the rich soil of traditional Yoga, a millennia-old practice rooted in Indian philosophy that seeks to unify body, mind, and spirit. Traditional yoga forms focus on physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana) to promote physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.
Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology that studies mental processes such as learning, remembering, thinking, and perception. It has made significant progress in understanding how the human mind works and developing techniques to enhance cognitive function. At the same time, yoga practices have been shown to improve mental discipline and focus. Cognitive Yoga combines these two disciplines to enhance cognitive abilities and emotional regulation.
The Practice of Cognitive Yoga
Cognitive Yoga encompasses a variety of practices, each designed to train the mind, much like how physical exercise trains the body. Key components include mindfulness meditation, focused attention exercises, visualization, and breathing techniques.
The Benefits of Cognitive Yoga
Combining cognitive exercises with yoga practices has numerous benefits. Those practicing this technique report improved memory, focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, Cognitive Yoga promotes emotional stability, reduces stress and anxiety, and fosters a sense of inner peace and overall well-being.
Embracing Cognitive Yoga in Daily Life
Incorporating Cognitive Yoga into your daily routine requires minimal lifestyle changes or time. Even a few minutes of mindfulness meditation or focused breathing exercises can make a substantial difference. The most important thing is to be consistent and mindful in your practice, allowing the principles of Cognitive Yoga to become a part of your daily activities and interactions.