A seasonal change requires one to make adjustments to their diet, clothing choices, lifestyle, and mindset. In the summer, soaring temperatures can make you perspire, feel lethargic, be more moody and anxious too.
In the first of this two-part series, we take you through some breathing exercises that will help cool your mind and body, and make you feel more energized.
Sheetali Pranayama, Or Cooling Breath
Added Benefits: Calms the mind and controls hunger pangs.
Step 1: Open your mouth and stick your tongue out.
Step 2: Curl the sides of your tongue upwards, so your tongue looks like a tube.
Step 3: Inhale air through your mouth, and aim to elongate and maximize your breath by attempting to fill in the abdominal region first, followed by the chest, and finally the neck.
Step 4: Now pull your tongue back inside your mouth, and close your lips.
Step 5: Exhale slowly through your nose. Repeat for a minimum of five rounds, and a maximum of 10.
Chandra Bhedi Pranayama, Or Moon Breath
Added Benefits: Re-energizes you and relieves heart burn.
Step 1: Stay in a comfortable seated position and keep your spine erect. Relax and close your eyes if you like.
Step 2: Close your right nostril off with your thumb. Index and middle finger should be gently placed between your eyebrows.
Step 3: Take a slow, yet deep breath through your left nostril, filling up your lungs.
Step 4: Now place your ring finger over your left nostril as you simultaneously exhale air out through your right nostril slowly. Do not alternate. Inhale only through the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril.
Step 5: Repeat for a minimum of five rounds and a maximum of 10.
These little exercises can help build stamina, relieve stress, clean out your lungs, and improve your workout results. In the second part, we’ll look at the flip-side—the winter breathing techniques to optimize your mind+body performance.
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
PS: Here’s your one-stop guide to Yoga Asanas For Weight Loss.
Celebrate International Yoga Day 2015 With ZLiving!
