4 Breathing Techniques That Can Relieve Stress in 10 Minutes or Less

A lot of us experience lack of sleep and stress most of the time due to being overworked and having a lot of pressure from our daily lives. The fast-paced world of the city can make people living there feel overwhelmed. The pollution and busy urban life also can contribute to stressful feelings. It could be expensive to take a trip into the spa or massage parlor every now and then. Although massages are therapeutic and designed to reduce stress, many people avoid them because of the cost. They usually aren’t covered by insurances. How much more if you would want a vacation spree just to be able to relax? The quickest way to relax does not really need you to spend some money because all you would need is a pair of lungs.You also can exercise regularly, but unless you ride your bike or run, you’ll have to get a health club membership, another expense you might not have.

Still, you need to find ways to reduce your stress. Having stress leads to heart disease and stroke, circulation problems, addictions and other medical maladies.These breathing techniques can help you relax in just 10 minutes or even less.

1. Practice Sama Vritti or “Equal Breathing”

This method is the simplest of the four but proves very effective nonetheless. Simply inhale for four counts, then exhale with the same number of counts through the nose. The activity will add some resistance to your breath. As soon as you get used to the equal breathing technique, you can then try to increase the number of counts between inhaling to exhaling (up to six or eight counts) depending on your level of comfort.

This technique is very effective when you are about to sleep and you need to relax your mind and body.

2. Use the Abdominal Breathing Technique

This technique is done with a hand on the chest and the other on the belly. Start with a deep breath through your nose and feel your diaphragm inflate to create enough room for air to enter the lungs. Six to ten deep breaths per minute are enough and it is advisable to perform this activity for at least 10 minutes a day.

Try this breathing technique before plungeing into a stressful activity such as an exam or a business meeting.

3. Try Kapalabhati or “Skull Shining Breath”

This is done by taking a slow yet long inhalation, followed by a quick, strong exhalation drawn from the lower belly. The moment you are already comfortable with the contraction, try increasing the pace from a one inhale-exhale combination up to a total of 10 breaths — then, you will eventually maximize this breathing technique.

This method is best done a few minutes after waking up in order to warm the body up.

4. Perform Nadi Shodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”

This breathing technique is said to unite both sides of the brain, resulting in calmness and total balance in an individual. It’s done by holding a thumb to one of your nostrils, then inhaling deeply through the uncovered nostril. At the peak of the inhalation, cover the uncovered nostril with any of your available fingers. Then, release the thumb in order to exhale through the previously covered nostril. Repeat the process and alternate sides every now and then.

This breathing technique is ideal to perform whenever you need to focus on a task. It might feel strange, but it works. Mastering this will ensure you have the balance that you seek, thus relieving stress.

Try these breathing techniques to keep you from getting overwhelmed or stressed. However, don’t forget other stress relievers, such as: exercising, yoga, shopping, being with your spouse for a special night, dancing, cooking a special meal, working in your garden and reading. The breathing techniques help and are necessary for the health of your lungs, but they are meant to complement other methods, not replace them.