Mental health: Malaika Arora shares 3 yoga asanas for cognitive wellbeing

New Delhi: In a world where the coronavirus pandemic is at its all-time high when the incidence of stress and anxiety continues to rise in people irrespective of their age, mental health often takes a backseat. Amidst this, many people turn to therapy, meditation and wellness vacations and programmes to get the much-needed relief from episodes of uncontrolled stress and anxiety. Yoga, an ancient Indian workout form, is one of the most effective techniques for improving mental health – and actress Malaika Arora, who is a known yoga enthusiast, recently, took to Instagram to share with fans three asanas that could work wonders for cognitive wellbeing.

Malaika Arora demonstrates yoga for mental health

In a video titled ‘3 asanas for better mental health’, Malaika Arora depicts three yoga poses – Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Dog Pose, Balasana or Child's Pose, and Sukhasana. These poses, she wrote, help ‘move for the mind’ and look after the mental health. She starts the routine by demonstrating the Adho Mukha Svanasana followed by Balasana and then concluding in Sukhasana.

"In this week's #MalaikasMoveOfTheWeek, let's move for the mind. Mental health needs equal attention as physical health. @malaikaaroraofficial recommends 3 asanas that can be practised regularly to look after our mental health,” she captioned the video.

What are the health benefits of the yoga poses other than cognitive wellbeing?

Take a look at the health benefits of the yoga poses demonstrated by Malaika Arora.

1. Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Dog Pose: Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Dog Pose, besides working on mental health, strengthens arms and shoulders, leg muscles, alleviates back, relieves stress and anxiety and eases blood circulation to the brain.
2. Balasana or Child's Pose: This pose helps release stress in the chest area, improves sleeping patterns, alleviates stress in the shoulders and hands and relaxes the back and spine.
3. Sukhasana Benefits: Sukhasana also has a relaxing on both the body and the mind thereby reducing stress and anxiety. It helps strengthen the back muscles, improve overall posture and lengthens the spine and back muscles. The same pose also helps make one more attentive by improving concentration levels.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.