Alternate nostril breathing is a staple yoga technique known for balancing the body’s energy and calming the mind. It involves breathing through one nostril at a time while blocking the other.
How to do it:
Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
Use your right thumb to close your right nostril and slowly inhale through the left nostril for about 6 seconds.
Close the left nostril with your ring finger, hold your breath for 6 seconds.
Open the right nostril and exhale slowly for 6 seconds.
Inhale through the right nostril for 6 seconds.
Close the right nostril and hold for 6 seconds.
Exhale through the left nostril.
Repeat this cycle for 5 minutes.
This pranayama reduces stress and anxiety, and thus induces sleep