Have you ever taken the time to pause in the present moment and take deep breaths? Well, I am not a clinical expert, but I am pretty confident doing just that is a fantastic way to calm your mind. Believe it or not, there are actually various breathing techniques people practice on a regular basis called pranayama . If you are having a stressful day, keep reading.

What is Pranayama?

Don't let the word, "Pranayama", stress you out. It is simply a term derived from Sanskrit that encompasses a variety of breathing techniques to bring clarity to the mind and a stronger focus on daily activities. Prana is a term that means life, and yama means control.

It is more complex than the standard deep breath people take whenever they are stressed out. It incorporates methods such as closing one nostril with your finger or forcing out your exhalations. Properly completing these breathing techniques has the ability to balance emotional levels, increase energy and promote the sense of relaxation.

How to do Pranayama?

Masters of the breathing technique are actually capable of pranayama when they are completing work throughout their day. However, the majority of us are not very skilled in this technique.

The best tip to begin practicing pranayama is to become mindful of your breathing as you complete different tasks throughout the day. Acknowledging your breath during different emotional states is equally as important. Your daily routine plays a huge role in your pattern of breathing; however, most of us are not conscious of a shortened or an elongated breath.

For various "how-to" pranayama techniques, check out this guide on wikiHOW.

Pay attention to your breath for the rest of the week and see if you notice any peculiarities. Understanding your pattern of breathing may positively impact your daily life.