Breath is Life

Improving your breathing is to improve your life! 

The first thing we do at birth is take a breath. We aren't taught how to do this as it's simply a natural occurrence. To have breath is to have life, period! At this stage, it is considered the purest form of breath work. Overtime, life progresses and our experiences can alter our natural pattern, disconnecting us from the once solid connection with our breath.

In yoga breath work is referred to as pranayama. Prana is the vital life force energy that moves through us and yama means to gain control. Ultimately, pranayama is the art of gaining control of the life force energy which is the breath. Improving your quality of breathe is to improve the quality of life!

Here are a couple simple pranayama (breath work) exercises you can do anytime anywhere!

1. Box Breath (4x4) 

~Inhale for 4

~Hold for 4

~Exhale for 4

~Hold for 4

Repeat at least 4 times

2. Ujjayi Breath (Calming)

~Say Haaa (like you’re fogging a mirror) then immediately close your mouth creating an oceanic sound at the back of your throat.

~Inhale while maintaining the same constriction at the back of your throat. 

Repeat as many times as you wish.

I recommend finding time to do a form of breath work each day. Doing this 1st thing in the morning is a an optimal time and right before bed for sure. If there are times throughout your day that brings anxiety, stress, or tension then take a moment or two to tune into your breath. Over time you will see how becoming more aware and gaining control over your breath can help improve your life!

~Mandi Joy