Mind/Body: Controlled Breathing

My hatha yoga class uses this specific type of breathing to de-stress, de-toxify, and re-oxygenate the body. You can think of it as a 4-7-8 breathing cycle. Begin by exhaling completely (I do this in a seated cross legged position but that is just my preference), then breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale completely through your mouth (like you were blowing into a straw) for 8 seconds. Repeat for a minimum of three more times for a total of four breaths...I personally do sixteen "breaths" and find myself feeling calmer and more alert!