Feeling stressed? Do alternate nostril breathing for instant anxiety relief; here's how

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New Delhi: Stress is inevitable. The truth is stress, challenges and problems are all part of life. But life has become more stressful than it has ever been, mainly, due to overly busy lifestyles. Consequently, more and more people are suffering from stress related problems, which in turn immensely affect their health.

Excessive chronic stress, which is constant and persists over an extended period of time, can be debilitating - both psychologically and physically. It increases your risks for various health conditions, including, high blood pressure, heart disease, muscle or joint pain, sleep problems, memory and concentration impairment, digestive problems, anxiety and depression.

Understanding and taking steps to reduce stress levels are crucial toward a healthier, happier life.

Alternate nostril breathing, also called Nadisodhana or Anuloma Viloma Pranayama (in Sanskrit), is a simple yet powerful technique that settles the mind, body, and emotions.

Health benefits of alternate nostril breathing

• Alternate nostril breathing (through the left and right nostrils without or with retention of breath) is a great way to lower the levels of stress and anxiety.
• It increases vitality and elevates cough disorders.
• It induces tranquility and helps to improve concentration.

The main purpose of this yogic practice is to purify the principle channels of carrying energy called nad's, hence nourishes the whole body.

Technique

Don't know how to do it? Worry not, the Ministry of AYUSH has released a 'complete guide' on how to perform this pranayama. Here's how to do alternate nostril breathing:

• You can sit in any meditative posture.
• Keep the spine and spine straight with eyes closed.
• Relax the body with few deep breaths.
• Keep the left palm on the left knee in Jnana mudra and the right hand in Nasagra mudra.
• Place the ring and small fingers on the left nostril and fold the middle and index fingers. Place the right thumb on the right nostril.
• Breathe in from the left nostril; close the left nostril with the small and ring fingers and release the thumb from the right nostril; exhale through the right nostril.
• Next, inhale through the right nostril.
• At the end of inhalation, close the right nostril, open the left nostril and exhale through it.
• This complete process is one round of the Nadisodhana or Anuloma Viloma Pranayama.
• Repeat five rounds.

International Day of Yoga, or commonly and unofficially referred to as Yoga Day, is celebrated annually on 21 June since its inception in 2015. It was suggested by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014.