The Lying Eight: An Exercise for Your Brain Hemispheres.

🎂 6 + years ⏱️ 10 min 📍 Anywhere ⭐ active

Sometimes your mind is so busy that you can't concentrate properly. Thoughts swirl around, and homework becomes a chore. The lying eight is an exercise that can help you calm down, focus better, and get into learning mode. All you need is your body, a bit of space, and a few minutes. If you practice the lying eight regularly, you might notice that you feel calmer, more centered, and can concentrate better on math, reading, or writing. This movement connects both sides of your brain. The right side is more creative and visual, while the left side is more logical. You need both when learning, and that's exactly what the lying eight practices.

How it works

Stand up straight. Your feet should be firmly on the ground, about shoulder-width apart. Your body should be relaxed. Stretch both arms forward. Bring your hands together so that your thumbs touch and point upwards.
Start in the middle and draw a lying eight in the air. Move your hands first to the top left, make a round loop, and return to the middle. Then go to the top right, again making a loop and returning to the middle. Keep your eyes on your thumbs. Your eyes will follow.
Draw the eight five to ten times. Very slowly. Pay attention to your breathing. Make the movement as smooth as you can. It's not about speed, but about consistency.
How does your body feel now? Has your breathing become calmer? Can you concentrate better? There is no 'right' or 'wrong.' Everyone feels something different, and that's perfectly okay.
The lying eight is like a little anchor in your daily life. You can practice it whenever you feel: I need a short break for myself. Just give it a try. Before homework, while studying, or when your mind feels too full. Your eight is waiting.