Taking Time To Breathe

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with work or family situations or have feelings of despair, anger or frustration?  In lockdown these feelings and emotions can feel even more intense and extreme so it really helps to breathe. 

Alternate nostril breathing is a breathing technique that helps calm the mind and soothe the nervous system. It also helps improve brain function as each side of the brain receives equal amounts of oxygen, and helps cleanse your lungs. 

Sitting in a comfortable position, place the thumb of your right hand on your right nostril and your ring finger on your left nostril, resting your index and middle finger on the bridge of your nose.

Slowly inhale through the left nostril closing the right with the thumb.

Exhale through your right nostril. You may find that your exhalation is longer than your inhalation.

Repeat 3 times to begin with then gradually increase to 9/10 times as you become more comfortable with the technique. 

This is a great technique to use before meditation or savasana as it really helps calm and relax your mind.