A cleansing breath can help you get centered before you begin something that requires focus.
In yoga,
We take a cleansing breath at the start of class to help let go of what's before and take in what's to come.
At work,
We might take a cleansing breath before taking a call,
Sitting to work,
Or beginning a meeting.
In life,
We might take a cleansing breath before a difficult discussion or an important decision.
Cleansing breaths are available anytime,
Anywhere,
And are even more powerful when done with others.
Sit upright in a comfortable position with your hands on your knees.
Inhale ideally through your nose,
Deeply into your belly,
Feeling your belly expand.
Continue to inhale into your middle chest,
Feeling your rib cage expand.
Continue to inhale into your upper chest,
Feeling your collarbones rise.
Now,
Through your mouth and with energy,
Completely and audibly exhale strongly from top to bottom.
Contract your belly to squeeze out every breath of air.
Try bending forward as you exhale.
After your complete exhale,
Sit upright and take a normal breath.
You can repeat cleansing breath twice,
But limit yourself to three rounds at one time.
If you feel lightheaded,
Breathe normally and remain seated.