Mar 26, 2025

8 underrated brain exercises to increase concentration and memory power

TOI Lifestyle Desk

These ageless brain exercises should be embraced

In today's world where everything is so fast, being able to maintain focus and concentrate can become difficult. Traditional brain exercises provide effective methods of sharpening the mind. These under-rated practices, inspired by the past, improve concentration and mental efficiency naturally.

Getty Images

Trataka (Yogic gazing)

Trataka is yogic meditation practice in which you stare at a candle flame or a point without blinking. This enhances focus, increases eyesight, and quiets the mind. It reduces distractions and conditions the brain to maintain focus, thereby increasing concentration.

Getty Images

Brahmari pranayama (Humming bee breath)

This pranayama exercise is done by creating a hum during exhalation. It activates the vagus nerve, relieves stress, and enhances retention of memory. The rhythmic vibration soothes the nervous system, clears mental fog, resulting in increased concentration and sharper minds.

Getty Images

Panchanguli mudra (Five-finger gesture)

One of the lesser-recognized yogic hand positions, this mudra is said to stimulate neural connections associated with focus and intuition. By keeping the fingers in a particular alignment and meditating, helps sharpen sensory perception, and better ability to solve problems.

Getty Images

Kirtan kriya (Finger chanting meditation)

This exercise involves repetitive chanting with synchronized fingers. It stimulates brain activity, improves memory, and increases concentration. The rhythmic coordination of speech and motor functions is a great exercise to enhance cognitive flexibility and mindfulness.

Getty Images

Nasikagra drishti (Nose tip gazing)

A special yogic practice in which you concentrate on the tip of your nose, Nasikagra Drishti increases awareness and concentration. By constricting the field of vision and fixing attention at a point, it conditions the brain to tune out distractions.

Getty Images

You may also like

9 ways to include okra in your meal dail...
8 natural storehouses of skin-boosting h...

Mantra japa (Chanting with beads)

Repetition of a mantra while counting beads is a meditative process that coordinates speech, thought, and motor coordination. Repetition of the sequence solidifies the associated neural pathways connected with concentration, improves patience, and brings about mental discipline.

Getty Images

Vedic math calculations

Working with ancient Vedic math methods, including quick mental calculations and patterns of numbers, exercises the brain. Such techniques activate problem-solving, memory, and logical reasoning, which makes it a great exercise to be mentally agile.

Getty Images

Mandala drawing

The making of mandalas, complex circular patterns, has been a meditative exercise for centuries. It calls for intense focus, patience, and accuracy, training the brain to pay attention to minute details while being creative. The exercise also involves relaxation and being mindful.

Getty Images

Thanks For Reading!

Next: 9 ways to include okra in your meal daily