First Thought
Researchers continue to underscore the adverse effects of excessive multitasking, the simultaneous handling of multiple duties. From driving hazards to impaired learning abilities, the distracted individual, no matter how busy, eventually reaps diminishing returns. Are we surprised by these findings? How many of us have reeled from anecdotes of sending e-mail while booking travel plans on the phone, only to wind up unintentionally netcasting to the wrong recipients and booking a suite in the wrong city. Still, propelled by the brain’s great processing capabilities and an abundance of raw energy—really our own natural gifts—we embark on a battery of simultaneous itineraries, either unconsciously or perhaps enticed by the perceived benefits.
The average attention span is 3–5 minutes times a person’s age in years. A multitasking mind does not process efficiently. Even if you did not practice any formal mindful practices, such as yoga or meditation, the constant bombardment of external stimuli can quickly tax the body’s senses and the nervous system.
Consider the practice of yoga as a means of cultivating our mental and physical assets in a more effective manner by unifying our functions in a single, focused activity. Yoga is the opposite of multitasking: it’s monotasking. The postures of yoga (asanas) build flexibility and strength in the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems as well as massage the internal organs and improve circulation to supply the brain and every living cell with more oxygen and nutrients. Yoga breathing (pranayama) effectively helps in coping with stress, increasing energy, and recovering from fatigue. The practice of meditation or mindful awareness fosters clarity of thought, better problem-solving, and the ability to relax at will. The ever-abundant list of physical benefits not withstanding, the practice of holding yoga postures with controlled breathing and a mental state of concentrated focus is not only mentally and physically refreshing and restorative, it is powerful, like harnessing the light of a sunbeam through a magnifying lens.
For those who are new to yoga, please consider these guidelines to help make your practice rewarding and enjoyable:
- Please be sure to check with your physician before beginning yoga or any other new exercise program, especially if you have any chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, arthritis, back or neck problems, or heart disease. That said, yoga postures can be modified to suit anyone.
- Wear comfortable clothing for ease of movement.
- A towel is acceptable for practice, although a sticky mat will provide a more stable surface. Mats are available at most sporting good stores or departments; some large-chain bookstores; countless online sellers; and, of course, yoga studios. An extra towel, even a small washcloth, can come in handy for wiping perspiration or for any postures that involve resting the face on the mat.
- Try to practice 2–3 hours after your last full meal, for your comfort and to maximize the metabolic benefits of your practice. However, you needn’t be starving either. A light snack such as a handful of nuts, yogurt, or fruit before practice is fine. Eating after practice is delightful. But keep in mind that yoga is detoxifying, so nourish your system with plenty of fresh, wholesome food and drink lots of water.
- Remember that holding the posture is only one-third of the process. Always move slowly and purposefully in and out of poses.
- In general, inhalation accompanies movements that involve opening and expanding, for example, upward salute (standing backbend with arms raised, in line with the ears—breathe in). Postures that involve relaxation of the muscles and subtle receding function on the exhalation, for example, standing forward bend (folding from the waist down, hands to feet, gently easing the upper body toward the legs—breath out). Breath awareness is one of your teachers, a manifestation of your body’s wisdom. When your breath begins to falter or become shallow you could be overexerting, hence your body, breath, and mind are out of sync. Try easing back from the posture halfway or coming out of the posture altogether and balancing the effort with a restorative neutralizing posture, such as Child’s Pose (Balasana) or Relaxation Pose (Savasana).
The yoga practitioner who can place legs behind the head (Dwipadasana or Yoganidrasana) or hold a headstand (Sirsasana) for hours but whose mind continues to wander is still a novice. True mastery comes when one is fully present—breath, body, and mind—the enlightened monotasker.
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