Jayanti Krishnan

Pranayama is the ancient practice of controlling your breath.

Regular and continuous practice of the same enables you to connect your body and mind, along with removing toxins from your body. Resultantly, you will also observe an increase in your energy levels, vigour, and productivity.

Here are some quick tips on how to practice Pranayama:

Practice early morning

The best time to do pranayama is early morning. As soon as you get up, set aside some 15 minutes. Same time everyday will help.

Fresh air is necessary

Practice in a well-ventilated room that is neat and clean, and free from distractions. If possible, you should do this in your balcony or outdoors.

Breathing Techniques

Start with these four simple breathing techniques and repeat it three times (three reps):

1. Inhale / Hold / Exhale – Slowly follow the order of inhale – hold – exhale and count five for each step. This will create breathing awareness.
2. Anuloma Viloma – Breathing in through one nostril and breathing out through the other one. Repeat on the other side. This brings harmony and balances the breathing.
3. Bhramari Pranayama – This breathing uses sound to help you block out distractions and soothe the nervous system. Inhale deeply, block your ears with your index fingers, and while exhaling, make a humming sound like a bee.
4. Udgeeth Pranayama – This practice uses the Om mantra to clear the mind, remove negative thoughts, strengthen the lungs and improve mental focus. Inhale deeply, and chant om while exhaling through your mouth.

Take your time

Slow and steady practice is essential to progress and integrate pranayama’s effects into our body, soul and life.

*All images used in this article are either Eyra’s own design or widely and freely available on the internet.*