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Day Four: Finding balance

Today's theme is balance and so I wanted to share with you a particular breath-work / meditation practice that helps bring balance to your nervous system.

Alternate nostril breathing is a traditional yogic breath-work practice. In Sanskrit, in case you're interested, it's called Nadi Shodana Pranayama.

Before you dismiss this weird looking activity, I want you to know there have been plenty of studies done and it's been shown to:

  • lower blood pressure and heart rate
  • reduce feelings of anxiety
  • activate the parasympathetic nervous system (i.e., reduce stress)
  • regulate the nervous system
  • improve lung capacity.

And many of these benefits are available after just 5 days and with only 5-10 minutes of practice.

Since we're on Day 4, I'm asking you to do FOUR minutes of Nadi Shodana.

I've made this little video of me doing it so you don't feel like the only weirdo. 🙂