Breathing Exercises to Bookmark for Work

The average workday can easily become crazy and chaotic. The good news is that there are some simple and quick things that you can do to help relieve stress and anxiety in the workplace. One thing you can do is to practice your breathing. You don’t need any equipment and just a couple of minutes could be enough to change your mood. Here are some breathing exercises to bookmark for work, for situations when you feel angry, tired, or simply overwhelmed.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

This exercise brings peace and balance to your body and mind. Put your right thumb over your right nostril and inhale through your left nostril. Keep your breath still for a couple of seconds, then put your right index finger over your left nostril and exhale through your right nostril. You should repeat it about 20 times, depending on how much time you have. It’s important to take your time and don’t rush, because it’s better to have 5 quality inhales and exhales than 20 too rapid. This exercise will not only calm you it will also clear your mind and improve your focus so you can concentrate on the next important task. You will also feel more energized and awake; some people even claim that it helps them more than coffee.

Equal Breathing

This exercise is perfect when you want to clear your mind. All you have to do is first inhale while counting to four, and then exhale while counting to four. It’s important to mention that you should breathe only through your nose. This exercise is proven to increase focus. And if you find alternate nostril breathing embarrassing in front of the colleagues, this is the perfect exercise.

Deep Breathing

If you’re stressed, your body probably lacks oxygen. Deep breathing helps because you inhale more fresh air. It can help you feel more relaxed and focused and it will improve your blood circulation, which is important for your brain too. Draw your elbows back in order to expand your chest. Take a deep inhale through your nose, retain your breath for about five seconds and then slowly exhale through your nose. The point is to exhale all fatigue, worry and negative energy from your body. And with every new breath, you should imagine that you are inhaling pure energy.

These are some of the easiest exercises for stress relief but don’t think that they aren’t effective. Next time when you’re feeling stressed out try some of these breathing techniques and we guarantee you’ll be amazed by the result.