Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Tossing and turning at night? Need to calm down? There are many ways we can help ourselves relax and calm down, but one of the easiest things to do is simply breath.
Taking the time to take a deep breath, or ten, can make a huge difference in helping us calm our nerves and our anxiety. Below you will find 3 breathing exercises you can utilize when you need to take a few minutes to yourself, and relax. The exercises you see below are some of the most common breathing exercises utilized by yoga and meditation practitioners, and are sure to help you ease your mind and body.
Sama Vritti - Helps you relax, and can help you fall asleep
Inhale through your nose for a count of 4, then exhale through your nose for a count of 4. Repeat this for one minute. Once you are ready, slowly increase the amount of time you inhale and exhale to a count of 6, or 8.
Progressive Relaxation - Helps you relax
Close your eyes, and focus on tensing and relaxing your muscles, and your breathing. Start with tensing and relaxing your toes, and slowly move up your body through your feet, knees, thighs, bottom, chest, arms, hands, and neck. Inhale as you tense the muscle, and exhale on release. Hold for a count of 5.
Nadi Shodhana - Helps you focus
Sit in a comfortable, meditative pose. Hold your right thumb over your right nostril and inhale deeply through the left nostril. Once you’ve fully inhaled, cover the left nostril with your ring finger, and exhale through the right nostril.
