How to Relax after Yoga Breathing Exercises

Before you begin pranayama (yoga breathing exercises), it is important to clear your mind of thoughts and to center your awareness on your breath. With a clear mind, you'll be able to fully benefit from alternate nostril breathing. You will feel relaxed and refreshed as a result.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yoga mat
• Floor
• Chair

Alternatve Nostril Breathing - Yoga Breath work (Pranayama)

1. Sit in a comfortable seated position (either on a yoga mat, floor, or a chair). Place your thumb by your right nostril and your ring and little fingers by your left nostril.

2. Inhale through your left nostril, closing off the right nostril with your thumb, and slowly count to four. Close both nostrils and hold the breath for eight counts. Exhale through the right nostril (closing off the left nostril with the ring and little fingers) to the count of eight.

3. Inhale through your right nostril, closing off your left nostril with your thumb, and slowly count to four. Close both nostrils and hold the breath for eight counts. Exhale through the left nostril (closing off the right nostril with the ring and little fingers) to the count of eight.

4. If you are a beginner, practice three rounds and work up to ten rounds of alternate breathing.

Tips & Warnings

• Breath work is vital in yoga.
• For beginners, alternate nostril breathing is the most effective and most relaxing pranayama (breath work).
• If you feel short of breath during alternate nostril breathing, immediately stop and take a few deep, slow inhalations and exhalations.
• If you are still feeling short of breath, please discontinue the breath work exercise.
• If you have sinus congestion, blow your nose before you practice this breath work.

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