Last Updated:June 26, 2025, 19:35 IST
Somatic exercises focuses on increasing the body awareness and releasing physical tension through mindful and gentle movements.
These exercises calm the nervous system and improve the body-brain connection. (AI Generated Image)
Staying focused and remembering things can be hard these days. But memory isn’t just about the brain; it’s also connected to the body. That’s where somatic exercises come in. These gentle movements help calm the nervous system and improve the connection between the body and brain. While memory is often linked to reading or puzzles, science now shows that body-based practices can also help.
Here are a few simple somatic exercises that may boost memory by relaxing the nervous system and improving the body-brain connection.
Cross-Crawl Movements: Cross-crawl exercises, like touching your left elbow to your right knee, help improve coordination and balance between the two sides of the brain. These movements activate both brain hemispheres at the same time, boosting communication between them. This can improve focus, memory and reaction time. When done regularly and with attention, cross-crawls may help strengthen brain pathways linked to attention and learning.
Eyes-Closed Balance Work: Balancing with your eyes closed can improve body awareness and support memory. Without visual help, the brain uses the body’s internal sense of position (proprioception), which is connected to the cerebellum – the part of the brain that helps with movement and memory. Simple practices like standing on one leg with eyes closed (near support for safety) or slow walking while focusing on how your body moves can boost this awareness. It may also reduce mental fatigue and strengthen memory linked to personal experiences.
Pandiculation: Pandiculation may look like simple stretching, but it helps improve the connection between the brain and muscles. It works by gently tensing a muscle, holding it for a few seconds, and then slowly releasing it while paying close attention to how it feels. Unlike normal stretching, this mindful movement can wake up parts of the brain linked to memory and focus. It also helps release built-up tension in the body, which can otherwise make your mind feel foggy. Practising it regularly, like gently stretching your shoulders and slowly letting go, can help the brain relax and respond better to stress.
Pelvic Clock Exercise: Releasing tension in the pelvic area can help clear the mind and improve focus. The pelvic clock exercise involves lying on your back and gently tilting your pelvis in a circular motion, like tracing the numbers on a clock. This simple movement activates nerves in the lower spine that send signals to the brain. It also helps calm the vagus nerve, which supports memory, especially during stress.
Spinal Wave Movements: Gentle, wave-like movements of the spine, from the tailbone up to the neck, can help refresh the brain and improve mental clarity. These motions support the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which protects the brain and helps it stay healthy. When the spine is stiff, this fluid flow can slow down, affecting memory and focus. Practising spinal waves regularly may boost alertness, support memory and even help release stress stored in the body.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
#Sharpen #Mind #Simple #Somatic #Exercises #Health #Fitness #News
