BREATHING To Halt Stress
Hello Wellness Seeker,
Are you stuck on what to get your colleagues or loved ones this holiday? Why not consider the gift of Breathwork sessions to help them manage their stress, anxiety, or help them gain more clarity. Yes, all can be possible with a transformational Breathwork experience. Check out the details Instagram or Facebook and please share it with someone you know may need this information.
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Gratitude is important because it shifts our focus from what’s lacking in our lives to appreciating the abundance that surrounds us, fostering positive emotions and improving overall well-being.
๐๐ฝ Gratitude Practice ๐๐ฝ
Maintain a daily gratitude journal, jotting down three things you’re thankful for each day to cultivate a positive mindset and recognize the blessings in your life.
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๐๐ What are Stress stoppers?
Have you heard of left nostril breathing?
๐งโโ๏ธYogic traditions teach that the left relates to moon energy: cooling, calming, and reflective. The right relates to sun energy: fiery, energizing, and awakening.
So, the yogic practice of left nostril breathing is thought to have a calming effect on the body.
๐ง A more science-y way of explaining this is that left nostril breathing puts the body into a parasympathetic state (instead of the โfight or flightโ mode of the sympathetic state).
Studies have even shown that left nostril breathing changes brainwave activity on EEG. Pretty cool!
Alternate Nostril Breathing is balancing, calming, anti-anxiety, and very relaxing.
I invite you to join the monthly online New Moon Breathwork Experience. Purchase your online tickets here.
In our fast-paced world, stress has become an unwelcome companion in our daily lives. Amid the chaos, many turn to various techniques to find solace and balance. One such practice that has gained attention for its calming effects is the ancient yogic tradition of left nostril breathing, a key component of Alternate Nostril Breathing or Nadi Shodhana.
Understanding the Yogic Perspective: Yogic traditions teach us that the left nostril is associated with moon energy, embodying qualities of coolness, calmness, and reflection. In contrast, the right nostril corresponds to sun energy, carrying fiery, energizing, and awakening properties. Left nostril breathing is believed to tap into the calming lunar energy, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The Science Behind the Serenity: Delving into a more scientific explanation, left nostril breathing is thought to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for the “rest and digest” response, counteracting the “fight or flight” mode associated with the sympathetic nervous system. Studies have even demonstrated that left nostril breathing can induce changes in brainwave activity, as observed on EEG scans.
I invite you to listen to the insightful episode on the Self-Care Goddess Podcast “STRESS Hormones & How They Impact Your Health“
The Power of Alternate Nostril Breathing: Alternate Nostril Breathing involves a rhythmic and intentional flow of breath between the left and right nostrils. By consciously regulating the breath in this manner, practitioners aim to balance the opposing energies of the lunar and solar channels, fostering a sense of equilibrium in both body and mind.
Benefits Beyond Calming: While left nostril breathing is renowned for its calming effects, the benefits extend beyond stress reduction. This practice is considered balancing, anti-anxiety, and deeply relaxing. Incorporating it into your routine can provide a valuable tool for managing daily stressors and promoting overall well-being.
I invite you to watch my YouTube video titled “Alternate Nostril Breathing For Anti-Anxiety & Calming Effects”
How to Practice Left Nostril Breathing:
- Find a comfortable seated position.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
- Using your right thumb, close off your right nostril.
- Inhale slowly and deeply through your left nostril.
- Close your left nostril with your right ring finger, releasing the right nostril.
- Exhale slowly and completely through the right nostril.
- Inhale through the right nostril.
- Close the right nostril and release the left.
- Exhale through the left nostril.
- Repeat this cycle for several minutes, gradually extending the duration.
I am a certified Breathwork Facilitator. Connect With Me to know more on the amazing power of breathwork and learn some breathwork techniques than can help you better manage yourself.
Left nostril breathing, rooted in ancient yogic wisdom and supported by scientific findings, offers a simple yet powerful tool to counteract stress and cultivate tranquility. By incorporating this practice into your routine, you can tap into the calming lunar energy, providing a respite from the demands of modern life. Take a few moments each day to explore the serenity that lies within the simple act of mindful breathing, and discover the profound impact it can have on your overall well-being.