MEDITATION, YOGA CAN SHARPEN YOUR MIND

New research has found that meditation and breath-focused practices, such as pranayama, can work like fertiliser for the brain. “Our research inds that

there is evidence to support the view that there is a strong connection between breath-centred practices and a steadiness of mind,” said principal investigator of the study Ian Robertson from Trinity College Dublin. The indings explained

the neurophysiological link between breathing and attention.

The research showed that breathing — a key element of meditation and mindfulness practices — directly affects the levels of a natural chemical messenger in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical messenger is released when we are challenged, curious, exercised, focused or emotionally aroused and, if produced at the right levels, helps the brain grow new connections, like a brain fertiliser.

The way we breathe directly affects the chemistry of our brains in a way that can enhance our attention and improve our brain health.

The study found that participants who focused well while undertaking a task had greater synchronisation between their breathing patterns and their attention. The authors believe that it may be possible to use breath-control practices to stabilise attention and boost brain health.