Yoga’s Impact on Memory and Learning: A Neurological Look at How Yoga Can Improve Cognitive Function

Your memory is as good as your interest in life.

Dr. Jayadev Yogendra believed that memory and learning are necessary for personal and professional growth. A sharp mind can make a big difference and yoga helps to cultivate such a mind. Yoga techniques for learning are known to improve brain health and cognitive function. 

More about Memory and Learning 

Our brain is a dynamic organ because it is constantly reshaping itself through neuroplasticity. There are regions like the hippocampus (responsible for memory storage) and the prefrontal cortex (involved in decision-making and attention) which are highly sensitive to lifestyle factors. Factors such as stress and a lack of mental focus often impair these regions. Yoga is helpful here because it helps to overcome these factors by reducing the stress hormones like cortisol and by strengthening our brain’s neural pathways. There are techniques which act like memory booster yoga to help sharpen cognitive abilities and create a focused mind ideal for learning.

Sage Vasistha’s Wisdom for Students 

In Yoga Vasistha, Sage Vasistha tells Rama that if a man makes sincere efforts in the right direction, he is bound to get anything under the sky. In ancient times, these thoughts of Sage Vasistha were explained to the students as they were initiated in their academic learning. There are five steps to this programme as follows: 

1. Concentration

    It is important to relax while concentrating. Unless students are able to relax on physical and mental level, they will not have better concentration. If they are not relaxed
and try to concentrate, they may get headaches. 

2. Reception

 When the mind is wanders and is not alert and attentive, even the simplest knowledge is not received through any sense organ or registered in the brain. 

3. Retention

 Our memory can store lakhs of various types of incidents. If we try to recollect all the stored knowledge at a time, we will either go mad or get confused. Therefore, we
should be able to turn the ‘switch on’ for the required knowledge and concerning the situation in hand; and ‘off’ for the unwanted information registered in the brain. 

4. Recollection

 Many times, we forget simple things due to fears, tensions, worries, fatigue, ill health, lack of rest or sleep, over-exertion. Acute hunger or heavily loaded stomach also
comes in the way of recollection. If the mind is weak, memory is weak. If the mind is impure, the memory is also very poor. Yogic techniques, which give emphasis on
practical application, help us to realise our potential, remove negative thinking and restore the physical and mental power required to transform one’s personality.  

5. Reproduction

  In an examination, students score well when they reproduce a subject in minimum words, in simple language, writing to the point, and by observing the rules of
grammar properly. This requires daily practice.

Yoga and Memory Enhancement

Memory is the result of discipline, concentration, and relaxation. It is the storage faculty of the brain which gets enhanced only when care has been taken for the first few steps of learning. Prior conditioning of the brain by having clear-cut priorities in life is a must. In fact, fixing the priorities well in life, is half the battle won. This is the result of strong faith in life which serves as a firm foundation. The other important factor is that of a reasonably steady state of body and mind before we can expect the brain to concentrate. 

Conditioning asanas like the simple meditative postures carry us to the desired state of mind. In this steady condition of body and mind, we can at will fix our attention to receive knowledge to whatever extent we want. After having received knowledge, a relaxed attitude of mind delivers it to the desired end. It thus results in a feeling of self-achievement. 

The general positive state of life enhances the memory. So, it is important to be positive in life and realise our full mental capabilities. Worry and anxiety drain our mental powers. A peaceful mind wedded to the karma yoga philosophy is able to concentrate well and generate a good memory. Yoga doesn’t stop at the development of mental powers. Yoga aids in the development of a good integrated personality working for the benefit of mankind. 

Pointers for students to develop memory skills:

Memory-booster Yoga Techniques

  1. Yogendra Ardhamatsyendrasana

 This asana reduces mental fatigue while improving memory and concentration by improving the blood circulation in the brain.

Steps:
2. Yogendra Trataka (Candle Gazing)

Trataka is a kriya which has been practiced by yogis in different ways not only for its beneficial effects on the eyes but also for its tremendous effect on improving concentration.

Steps:

Benefits: This practice is highly effective in yoga to increase memory and helps eliminate distractions for better learning. It improves vision and concentration. Hence, it is recommended for school children too.

3. Anitya Bhavana and Reflection

Human personality cannot be devoid of emotions until it achieves complete control over the mind. A few concepts such as Anitya bhavana are recommended to purify the chitta.

Concept– Anitya Bhavana:

“What was in the morning is not at midday; what was at mid-day is not at night, for all things are transitory (Anitya). Our body, which is the cause of all kinds of human effort, is as transitory as the scattering clouds. All our objects of pleasure are changing. Wealth is as transitory as a wave, youth - like a cotton particle blown off in a whirlwind; and opportunities like the fleeting dreams. Why should I be attached to anything when nothing is permanent and everything is changing?”

The pondering over the transitoriness (Anityata) of all things is called Anitya bhavana.

Technique–Reflection:

To cultivate mental detachment, Reflection is practiced initially to train the mind to become an observer of its own thinking. Reflection is a simplified form of a deeper and more advanced practice of self-study, called Anitya Bhavana, a Jain yogic technique. Its objective is to discriminate between what is permanent and what is not.

Steps:

Benefits: This practice is a powerful memory training technique. It aligns with memory booster yoga, reducing mental chatter and creating space for focused learning. Reflection is an integral aspect of yoga for improving memory power.

Tips for an Effective Practice

  1. Create a distraction-free environment to enhance focus.
  2. Combine yoga with a nutrient-rich diet for optimal brain health.
  3. Practice consistently; even 20 minutes a day can yield significant results.
  4. Include breathing techniques to complement physical postures.
  5. Get adequate sleep to support memory consolidation.

FAQs About Yoga’s Impact on Memory and Learning

Yes, yoga practices are scientifically proven to enhance memory retention.

Practices like Trataka, Reflection, and Ardhamatsyendrasana are excellent for improving learning.

Yes, it boosts neural connectivity, blood flow, and focus, enhancing brain power.

Yoga lowers cortisol levels and promotes relaxation.

It refers to yoga techniques aimed at improving memory and cognitive function.

Yes, children can benefit greatly from simple practices like Trataka.

Daily practice, even for 15–30 minutes, is effective.

Yes, practices like Trataka enhance focus and reduce anxiety, aiding better preparation.

Reflection consolidates memories and provides insights for better understanding.

Overview :

All the yogic practices explained here integrate the essence of yoga to increase memory with time-tested wisdom. Regular application can help you to realise your mind’s true potential for learning and growth.