Are you dealing with stress, anxiety, insomnia or (peri)menopause? Are you a Highly Sensitive Person? Are you just feeling ‘hot-headed’ lately and need to cool off? These 6 calming breathing techniques can help. Not only that, but research shows that a yoga practice that combines breathwork with yoga asana, meditation and relaxation can also lower cortisol levels and heart rate. Read on for a short explanation of each of the breathing techniques that I teach in my upcoming ‘Soothing Yoga for Stressful Times’ online course–or enroll in the course and learn them directly from me!
1) Diaphragmatic/Belly Breath: Click link for a good explanation from Harvard Medical School.
2) 2 (Exhale):1 (Inhale) Ratio Breathing: When your exhales can be longer than your inhales, you are soothing your nervous system.
3) Sitali Pranayam: A cooling, calming pranayam. Great one for summertime.
4) 4-7-8 Breath: My favorite for when I’m feeling anxious.
5) Bee Breath: Another good one for anxiety and stress relief.
6) Moon Breath: Click for instructions for Moon Breath that you can practice for insomnia, as well as bonus Sun Breath technique. ;)
And don’t forget good old Alternate Nostril and Ujayi Breathing, always handy breathing techniques to include in your self-care regimen.
If you found this blog post helpful, you might also enjoy this short Yin Yoga for Anxiety video. For 8 weekly yoga sequences that complement these breathing techniques, enroll in my upcoming ‘Soothing Yoga for Stressful Times’ online course. We begin on July 7, 2025!
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