Just the other day I was finishing up my practice, and a student came up to me and asked me if there was some way she could relieve stress at work. She emphasized that when she was stressed she almost found herself unable to breathe. It’s apparent to me that this is something that happens to the best of us. Whether we realize it or not, when we are stressed, upset or angry, we tend to strain our breath or hold it.

I learnt this little tip and I also used it when I was in the corporate world. Its something you can do sitting in front of the computer and it doesn’t take long at all.

The key thing is to sit upright. Use pillows or cushions and sitting on a chair is fine. The spine needs to be long here. And the shoulders should be relaxed.

Close your Eyes.

INHALE -take a deep breath in through the nose keeping the mouth closed as you inhale.

EXHALE – for double the count

Repeat this five to ten times

Instantly you will be amazed at how clear and relaxed you will feel and it won’t take much at all. It’s the basic element of what we call ujjaii breathing. Breathing through the glottis, so the breath is loud coming through the throat. It will also help to eliminate wrinkles, and that, ladies is free!

So the next time you are feeling tired or burnt out, do this simple little exercise, and notice the subtle difference.