Does practicing yoga enhance your ability to perform mentally?

Question

Sometimes my mind is just so lethargic, just like my body, and  I wonder if incorporating yoga into my schedule, would help to improve my ability to think clearly and get rid of the fog that clouds my thinking.

Answer 1

Absolutely! There is a lot of research and evidence out there to show that regular yoga practice helps you sharpen up cognitively, handle stress better and excel in your daily pursuits. It has also been shown to improve the performance of students...this is a great article about applying the 5 principles of yoga practice to the life of a student, which is all about remaining sharp mentally. Deep breathing is especially good for focus. From the article:

A few deep breaths go a long way when there are a thousand tasks to be done. The deeper the breath, the more oxygen reaches the brain. The more oxygen reaches the brain, the better the brain will retain information… Where’s the next class again?

Slow, deep, and rhythmical, breathing accompanies the asana for a centering effect with body and mind. Called pranayama, proper breathing regulates the flow of the prana (life force) to focus the mind and increase energy.

Check it out: http://www.yoga.com/about-yoga/articles/philosophy-religion/five-principles-yoga-and-sleep-deprived-student/

I highly recommend and encourage you to try yoga for your mind and body! It has really helped me in business and health. Namaste! :]

Answer 2

In Bhagvad Gita (a hindu holy book), lord  Krishna depicts  yoga as a tool to achieve 'moksha'. A regular yoga practitioner will first be healed physically where he recovers himself from diseases and body malfunction. After this stage he achieves a next stage where yoga calms down his mind and brings peace. It empowers brain to think sharply and enhances one's ability to think and concentrate.