Next time you find yourself in a heightened state, taking a few minutes to practise Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) can help calm the mind and the nervous system.
This yogic breathing technique works by balancing the body’s yin and yang energies, sometimes described as the lunar and solar nadis. Alternating inhalation and exhalation through the right and left nostrils encourages communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.
Some research suggests this can increase oxygenated blood flow in the prefrontal cortex, supporting a calm yet focused mental state. Alternate nostril breathing works with both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which can have a grounding effect, helping bring the body out of a “fight or flight” stress response. Practised regularly, it may also support healthy blood pressure and lower cortisol, the hormone that triggers our stress response.
Try it and let us know how you found it.