Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or tired? Need to add a little zen into your day?

Well… lucky for us there’s a guaranteed way to bring calm to our bodies – and it’s all about how you breathe. In fact, you can energize or relax your body just by changing the way you breathe.

This week, your challenge is to practice “yoga breathing” for 10 minutes a day!Pranayama helps correct poor breathing patterns that can help pull your body out of “fight-or-flight” mode. It helps you to relax and feel more balanced.

Here’s how to do it:

Lay down with your back on the floor (you don’t have to lay down, but it helps). Keep your knees bent, your feet hip-width apart, and feet on the ground.

With your mouth slightly open and your tongue just behind your teeth, inhale slowly, feeling your chin raise ever-so-slightly toward the ceiling. Breathe in for 6 to 8 counts, nice and slowly.

Next, exhale through your nose for 3 to 4 counts (half as long as you inhaled), slowly returning your head to its starting position.

In just a few breaths, you will notice your thoughts start to slow down and your body begin to relax.This form of breathing helps relieve anxiety, anger and agitation, and even sleep disturbances.

Your challenge this week is to practice the yoga breathing method at least once per day, for about 10 minutes. Are you up for the challenge this week!? Let us know!