We may not realise it, but the way we breathe has a lot to do with the way our body and mind feel and function. Deep and long breaths are the secret to increased vitality and rejuvenation. Today however, with growing workloads and soaring tension levels, our breath has become too quick and too shallow for our own good. The yogic practice of Pranayama (derived from the Sanskrit words prana, meaning breath or life force, and ayama meaning control or regulation) helps to reverse the ill effects of wrong breathing patterns and is immensely beneficial for the general well being of the mind and body.

There are a vast number of Pranayama techniques that are practiced by yoga enthusiasts the world over; with each one best known for the specific benefits it has to offer. Some of the most relaxing and popularly practiced ones include:

Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama
This pranayama is effective in curing lung diseases, blood purification, and improvement of mental clarity.

Method

Step 1

Sit cross-legged on the floor, mat, or bed with your spine erect, and position your right hand in the Prana Mudra- close the right hand in a loose fist; bend the first two fingers inwards, while the last two fingers and the thumb are held open, slightly curved, bend the right arm at the elbow and keep the upper arm close to the body.

Step 2

Keeping your head lowered with the chin to the chest, close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril.

Step 3

Close the left nostril with the two straight fingers-again press gently under the nasal bone-and slowly release the fingers on the right nostril, and exhale.

Step 4

Keep the left nostril closed, and inhale through the right nostril.

Step 5

Finally, close the right nostril again with the thumb, release the left nostril and exhale.

This Completing one full cycle of the Anuloma-Viloma.

Shitali Pranayama

This breathing technique is highly recommended for its capacity to cool and relax the entire system. It is also known to cure tumours, jaundice, skin disease, and indigestion.

Method

Step 1

Sit cross-legged in a comfortable position, either on the floor, mat, or bed, with your spine erect.

Step 2

Keeping your head up, roll your tongue into the shape a blowpipe and keep it protruding outward, with the mouth open.

Step 3

Breathe in through the mouth to feel a gentle cooling sensation of the tongue. Retain the air in your lungs for as long as you comfortably can.

Step 4

Draw back the tongue, close the mouth, lower your head so that your chin is close to your chest, and exhale through the nose.

Step 5

Repeat the process.

Beginners can start off by practicing this Pranayama for about 5 minutes, gradually increasing the duration to suit their comfort.

Taking some time out of your hectic and busy schedule to watch your breath, look within, and unwind, may not be such a bad idea after all. Not only will it calm those worked up nerves, but it will also leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated through the day.