Yoga Benefits

By practicing the Anti-Anxiety Breath, you consciously empty your lungs of stale air and your bloodstream of excess carbon dioxide, which can leave you feeling irritable, fatigued, and anxious. You then can inhale deeply, naturally replenishing your energy and restoring your well-being with fresh air.

Benefits

Relieves anxiety, fatigue, and irritability

Focus

Do not rush, resist the temptation to inhale for longer than 4 counts each time. Concentrate on the exhalation, totally emptying your lungs progressively with each exhalation by pulling in your abdominal muscles.

1. Lie on the floor on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing up, feet flopped apart.
2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together to open up your chest.
3. Watch your breath, in and our, for 3 breaths. Begin to slow your breathing.
4. Inhale slowly as you count to 4, then exhale for 4 counts by contracting your abdomen.
5. Inhale as you count to 4, then exhale as you count to 5.
6. Continue inhaling for 4 and increasing the length of the exhalation by 1 count each time until you are exhaling for 10 counts.
7. Release by taking a Full Yoga Breath and relax.
8. Repeat, starting with 4-count inhalations and 4-count exhalations, increasing the length of the exhalation by 1 count each time until you are exhaling for 10 counts.
9. Return to your own breathing pattern, and relax. Notice how clean your lungs feel and how easy it is to breathe. Become aware of any sensations in your body after completing this technique, and enjoy a few moments of stillness as a result of your mind slowing down.