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Yoga is a 6000-year-old form of physical exercise which not just disciplines the body but conditions the mind as well.

 

The practice of yoga is basically looked at as just the asanas (postures and exercises), but breath is really in the centre of yoga. Some have said “if you can breathe, then you can do yoga”. Using breathing techniques to quiet your mind is one of the primary pursuit of yoga.

 

Simply by frequently taking the time for yoga, you may become extremely attentive to your breathing. You will train yourself to manage your breath, that will help you become calm and relaxed. As well, the form of your asanas will improve the more you focus on your breathing.

 

It’s in our nature to let our intellects flow into concerns of the future and the past. However our bodies are only alive with the present. Through the performance of yoga, you can understand how to focus your mind in your body and let go of your entire worries, through proper breathing.

 

Yoga can help to prevent stress and illness allowing you do this - releasing of these dangerous, stressful thoughts, even for a short time, restores your body and mind to a healthy balanced state. Concentrating on the present is what leads to this advantages.

 

Yoga shows the concept of conscious breathing while doing poses - this encourages awareness of the technique and greater mental alertness. By drawing the mind into the moment and neglecting all else, you will garner the advantages which yoga has to offer.

 

The following breathing exercise is a very simple method of practicing yoga that will help you to release tension and balance your thoughts.

 

* Lie or sit comfortably and notice your normal state of breathing.

 

* still aware of your breath, inhale and exhale 4 counts each repeatedly.

 

* Now, improve your breathing and exhalations to 5 counts each.

 

* Then increase the count to 6 for each inhalation and exhalation. Notice your body - make sure that it is comfortable.

 

* Continue this way until your inhalations and exhalations reach nine counts. If this sounds like causing you any distress, drop the count back down to more relaxed number for you.

 

* Keep concentrating on your body and be aware of any tension. Make a conscious effort to relax any areas of your body that are tense.

 

* Whatever your final amount of breaths is, continue breathing with long breaths for several rounds, then drop the counting and breathe naturally for 10 rounds.

 

What you should discover from this exercise, as well as with many of yoga’s other breathing exercises, is the ability to rest your thoughts and to still your mind so you are present in your body. In time, you’ll ultimately gain competence over your breathing so that you will be able to call on your breath to still your mind in moments of stress and tension.

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