Effect of yoga on concentration and memory in relation to stress

Concentration means wholeness unity, equilibrium. It is the focusing of attention upon a particular object. Memory is an ability to recall or remember past events or previously learnt information or skills. The process of concentration of attention and a power of recalling (memory) are the major factors in learning. Improvement in concentration and memory has been reported in several yogic studies.

The main objective of the study was to assess the effect of yoga module on Concentration and Memory.

The study started with 800 adolescent students; 159 high stress students and 142 low-stress students were selected on the basis of scores obtained through Stress Battery. Experimental group and control group were given pre-test to assess their concentration as well as short term memory. A yoga module consisting of yoga asanas, pranayama, meditation, prayer and a value orientation programme was administered on experimental group for 7 weeks. The experimental and control groups were post-tested for their performance in concentration and memory tests.

The results show that the students, who practiced yoga module yielded higher concentration levels and exhibited better short term memory.