By Amy Zellmer, Editor-in-chief
Yoga is a powerful tool for neuroplasticity. Contrary to some beliefs, everyone can do yoga — you don’t need to be super flexible, be able to balance, or even be able to stand up. The beauty of yoga is every pose can be modified to accommodate anyone.
An important aspect of yoga is your breath. Connecting your breath to your body and getting oxygen flowing to your brain makes yoga powerful for brain health. Yoga also quiets the mind and lets anxiety and distracting thoughts drift away.
One wonderful pose, seated cobra pose, brings breath and movement to our upper body. Keeping your breath steady while inhaling and exhaling for a count of three or four helps push oxygen to our brain, building neuroplasticity.
- Start seated in your chair with your hands over your heart center. Keep your spine tall without slouching.
- As you inhale, bring your hands and arms out to the side in “cactus arms,” pulling your shoulder blades closer together.
- As you exhale, bring your hands back to your heart center.
Repeat 3-5 times.
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Amy Zellmer is Editor-in-chief of The Brain Health Magazine and MN YOGA + Life Magazine. In addition to her 200RYT, she is certified in chair yoga, LoveYourBrain yoga, Yoga For All, and trauma-informed yoga. Join her for monthly yoga classes via zoom for only $10 a month: www.patreon.com/amyzellmer
