If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you’ve probably heard that you need to learn how to breathe “correctly.” And what exactly does that mean, when you’ve been breathing for your entire life? We all know how to breathe, but there are specific techniques to improve it.
Breathing correctly can help you relax by increasing your intake of oxygen. Taking a few deep breathes when you’re stressed can have astounding effects. And although you might not have time to head to yoga class when you’re stressed, here are a few breathing techniques you can practice at home:
Mountain pose:
Stand at the top of your mat and put your arms down to your sides, palms facing forward. As you breathe in, lift your arms above your head until your hands touch. Exhale as you fold your body forward. Breathe in halfway and then step back into a plank position.
Downward facing dog:
Tutorial on how to do this position:
Step one leg back and push your hips into downward facing dog position. Take a deep breath in and out. On the inhale, step your opposite leg out. Exhale and step it between your hands into a low lunge position.
Cat/Cow:
Tutorial on how to do this position:
Come into a tabletop position on your hands and knees. Press your palms into the mat and as you inhale, arch your back up and look above you. Exhale and round your back as you look down.
Low lunge
Tutorial on how to do this position:
Put your hands to the ground and breathe in. As you exhale, straighten your front leg and bring your chin and nose to your knee. Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, stretch deeper. As you inhale, move back up into your low lunge. As you exhale, reach your hips up and back down into the stretch. Repeat on either side.
