Breathing is vital for our survival as it is the only way we can send oxygen inside our body and into our organs. Our thoughts can change the rhythm of our breath. When we’re happy breathing is rhythmic and when we are stressed breathing is irregular. Mastering the art of breathing is a crucial step towards self-healing and survival.

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word which translates into “extension of the breath”.  ‘Prana’ means life-force and is the link between mind and consciousness. The physical manifestation of “prana’ is breath and ”ayama” means to extent or draw out the breath.

Best time to practice

• Early morning is the best time to practice pranayama, on an empty stomach.
• You can practice for 5 full minutes, or just as a quick calmer in between calls or task, by practicing the technique for 1 full minute.

Position

Sit comfortably in a chair with your feet firmly on the floor. Or sit cross legged on the floor.

Practice

• Start by using your right hand
• Place your pointer and middle finger at the top of your nose (where the inner corners of your eyes meet)
• Place your thumb over your right nostril and inhale through the left nostril for 5 seconds
• Cover the left nostril with your ring finger exhale through the right nostril for 5 seconds
• Inhale through the right nostril for 5 seconds and repeat the process, alternating sides