Alternate Nostril Breathing To Help With Anxiety

Alternation nostril breathing, a simple yet profound technique, has been practised for centuries to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. By alternating breaths between your left and right nostrils, you can harmonise the energies within your body and mind.

Stress and anxiety can often trigger cravings. By calming the mind and body, this technique may help reduce stress-induced cravings.

Many people have found relief from cravings through this practice so it can be added to your toolbox for when you are in the moment of need.

While this breathing practice can be helpful, it's not a magic solution. For long-term success, it's important to address the underlying causes of cravings, such as emotional eating. You may wish to check out my courses here on Insight Timer; “Freedom from Self-Sabotage and Emotional Eating” and “My First 3 Steps To Letting Go Of The Weight”.

Transcript

Hello,

Liz Doyle,

The Positive Change Coach here.

And today I'm sharing a practice called alternate nostril breathing.

This practice can help to calm your nervous system.

It relaxes your body and your mind.

It can reduce anxiety and promote overall well-being.

And these benefits,

In turn,

May help you to be more focused and aware.

You can use this breathing technique to help manage stresses in your daily life,

As well as a go-to exercise if you experience cravings when you're feeling anxious.

You may also find that practicing alternate nostril breathing helps you to be more mindful of the present moment.

One complete cycle consists of inhaling through one nostril,

Exhaling through the same nostril,

And then repeating the process with the other nostril.

If you wish,

You can close your eyes,

Only if it's safe to do so.

This can help you to focus your attention inward.

Use your right thumb to close your right nostril.

Take a deep,

Slow breath through your left nostril.

And exhale slowly through the left nostril.

Use your ring finger to close your left nostril as you remove your thumb from your right nostril.

Inhale slowly through your right nostril.

And exhale through your right nostril.

Use your thumb to close your right nostril as you exhale through your left nostril.

And exhale slowly through your left nostril.

I will now set a timer for three minutes for us to do this together.

Breathing in.

And exhaling slowly through your left nostril.

Breathing in.

And out.

Relax your shoulders.

Focus on the in-breath.

And on the out-breath.

In through the right.

And out through the right.

Feeling calm.

And at peace.

Okay,

So that was our three minutes of meditation.

Okay,

So that was our three minutes spent together.

How was that for you?

I would truly love to know how that was.

This practice balances your energetic field.

According to yogic philosophy,

The left nostril is associated with the moon and feminine energy.

While the right nostril is associated with the sun and masculine energy.

So by alternating between the two,

You can help balance these energies within your body.

Whether you use this recording for when it's just needed,

Or every day to help you with feelings of anxiety,

Stress,

Maybe cravings.

I'd love to hear how you get on.

So until I catch up with you next time,

I am sending you much love.