By Janet Hennard.
Mindful breathing. It is so fundamental to yoga that you will most likely spend a few minutes practicing it at the beginning or end of each class. Your teacher will remind you to be aware of your breath while holding a pose, and when moving from one pose to another.
In yoga, the practice of mindful breathing is called pranayama, a sanskrit word that combines prana, meaning “life force” with ayama, meaning “to extend or draw out.” Pranayama increases oxygenation, lowers blood pressure, improves concentration, and promotes a feeling of well-being.
Try this powerful exercise called nadi shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, at any time for a quick way to calm anxieties, improve sleep and even help reduce pain.
Practicing Alternate Nostril Breathing
You can practice alternate nostril breathing at home, in your office, or wherever you have a few minutes of stillness. And don’t forget to practice—with eyes open!— while you’re waiting at a long stoplight. You will likely find that you’ve calmed those anxieties about being late!