How to Take Cleansing Breaths

Most of us go through our days and don't even pay attention to how we breathe. Paying attention to our breath and learning to take cleansing breaths can help us destress and stay calm and centered. The beauty of taking cleansing breaths is that it can be done anywhere from the car to the yoga mat. Read on.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Sit up straight, with your head and neck aligned. Lift and release your shoulders and roll them back a few times to get yourself into a relaxing posture.

2. Rest your eyes shut and gently inhale through the nose slowly and deeply for the count of 5, allowing your lungs to fill and your abdomen to expand.

3. Hold your breath for 5 seconds. Your abdomen will remain expanded, your lungs will be filled and your ribcage will feel expanded as well. Savor the moment and feel yourself centering.

4. Gently exhale for the count of 5, feeling your rib cage and lungs contracting, and your abdomen sinking back down. Slowly repeat your cleansing breath as many times as you wish and enjoy the serenity.