Author: Dr. Rehan Lakhani, ND
Dr. Rehan is a Collingwood naturopath who provides evidence-based care to those struggling with brain fog, memory issues, chronic pain, fatigue, and all things related to your period. Click here to schedule a free consult with our doctors.
Breathwork, breathwork, breathwork! The darling of yoga practitioners, meditation advocates and science nerds alike. The science is in – a daily breathwork practice is powerful – but what does it actually look like? Here are 4 types of breathing that you can practice daily (recommended), or tuck into your back pocket to help you calm down during a tough or stressful situation like a job interview, an argument, or a triggering moment. Try to relax and breathe into the belly fully, with relaxed shoulders.
1. 4-7-8 Breath
Breathe in through the nose for a count of 4, hold for a count of 7, breathe out through the mouth for a count of 8.
2. Box Breathing
Breathe in through the nose slowly counting to four, hold for four, and breathe out through the mouth for four counts.
3. Lion’s Breath
Check out this YouTube video for an example (linked here!) – a more active style of breath in yoga that expels stress.
4. Alternate nostril breathing
Another yoga favourite, use the pad of your thumb to block your left nostril while you breathe in fully and then block the opposite nostril as you breathe out fully. Try 3 times with this first sequence, and then switch the pattern to the opposite nostrils. Click here for a link to a demonstration.
Try these out and let us know how it goes! Your body & mind will thank you.