Just breathe

Last week was a tough one for me. Too little time and too much to do. I struggled with work, home and commitments. I felt my energy was depleted and I had no inspiration when it came to writing this blog. And then I realised.

What's the first thing that we do? I mean, when we are born into this world, what's the first thing we are designed to do? Breathe. And throughout our whole life, we breathe, until the moment we close our eyes for good. We don't think about it, we don't force it, it just happens. Breathing means life.

Actually, our breath gives us life. It's something that we always take for granted but breath and life are interconnected. Pranayama is the science of breath in yoga. Through controlling and regulating our breathing, we reduce anxiety and generate relaxation.

Regular breathing practice helps to improve general health and wellbeing by allowing the breath to flow freely in the body. It can improve mood, sleep, energy levels and digestion. And of course the breath is the centre-piece of meditation.

Here's a simple breathing exercise you can practice at home. Find a comfortable sitting position with an upright spine. Allow your body to relax, keep your head straight and close your eyes. Inhale and exhale a couple of times, bringing awareness to your breath. Then, close your mouth, take a long inhale from the nose to fill up your lungs and exhale slowing by making a continuous 'mmm' sound with closed, relaxed lips. Feel the vibration as you exhale slowly. Repeat this a few times and notice how you feel.

"He lives most life whoever breathes most air." Elizabeth Barrett Browning Let me know if you enjoyed reading this blog and if you tried the breathing exercise. You can find more breathing exercises in my YouTube channel here.

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P.S. Next online free power yoga class coming up on Sunday 6th December at 10.00am GMT. Contact me if you want to join.