Breathing Exercises that Help Calm Your Mind

For a year now, we have had to wear masks as we step out, and in the last few months, our country faced a severe lack of oxygen for Covid affected patients. If there is anything we can learn from the unfortunate events, it is the importance of breathing. Being alive and being able to take deep breaths effortlessly is in itself a blessing. 

Yogis all over the world, for ages now, have been reiterating the same and asking people to perform regular breathing exercises. They help in calming the mind, reducing stress, improving oxygen supply, and also help deal with skin breakouts and improve your overall health, beauty, and wellness.

We have compiled here a list of breathing exercises that you can perform in the comfort of your home. Most of these exercises don’t take much time and are very easy. So, the next time you unwind yourself in a wellness beauty treatment using ayurvedic skincare products such as a natural face cleanser and a natural face mask, make it a point to perform some of these breathing exercises to further improve the benefits of the session.

 

• Basic deep breathing

To perform this, all you have to do is sit or lie down in a relaxed position. Then, take a deep breath in and hold it for ten seconds. Then, slowly exhale to the count of thirteen and repeat the process 10-15 times in a day. This quick exercise can be performed anywhere, anytime and is a great way to reset your mind quickly so you can focus on the tasks at your hand.

 

• Alternate nostril breathing

To do this, first, close your right nostril with the help of your right thumb. Next, take a deep breath through your left nostril, after which you close your left nostril using your ring finger and breathe out from your right nostril. Do this ten times, after which you can switch sides by breathing in from your right nostril and breathing out from your left. This will clear any blockage in your nose and open your lungs.

• Pursed lip breathing

This one is most effective to open a blocked nose as you have to apply extra pressure to breathe from your nose. All you have to do is take a deep breath in, and as you hold it, tightly purse or pucker your lips together and breathe out. This is yet another low effort breathing exercise that you can perform anytime. 

• Humming breath

This breathing exercise is effective to relieve stress, calm your mind, and ward off any frustration. Firstly, sit down in a comfortable position with your legs crossed in Vajrasana. Then, as you try to relax, partially cover your ears using your fingers and inhale. While exhaling, make a humming sound- all while keeping your ears and your cartilage covered. 

• Belly breathing

This is one of the most common breathing exercises where you will be sitting in a comfortable position. Once you are settled, place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Take a deep breath into your belly and feel your hand being pushed out. Do not move your chest. Instead, breathe out through puckered lips and gently push the air in your gut out using your hand. Do this 3-4 times a day to maintain good cardiovascular health, improve concentration, and relieve stress.