It is all about your breath.

By using simple and repetitive breath techniques you can stimulate the relaxation response in the nervous system and move your body away from stress and anxiety towards a calmer state of mind.

Try these yogic techniques to help you harness the capacity of your breath. When you can breathe fully, it is easier to keep your body in a state of ease when you are exercising and moving actively. Master your breath on and off the mat for a healthier movement practice.

• Yoga poses to welcome a steady breath and release tension in the body.

You can do this as a stand alone practice or before you come to sit in meditation. Get some comfortable clothes on and practice with the recording below.

• Sama Vritti (even count breath) with Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)

You can do this one throughout the day when you need to refocus the mind and calm any anxiety in the body. Sit back and practice with the recording below.

• Diaphragmatic or Belly Breathing. 

1. Find a comfortable position either lying or sitting down.
2. Let both hands rest on your lower belly.
3. Take long, deep inhalations and slow deep exhalations. For the first few rounds be mindful to extend the breath (especially the exhalations) and keep it low and deep in the belly. You can relax the arms if you are confident breathing in this way.
4. At some point the breath might trail off as you land in a still place, if you feel uncomfortable or distracted, simply take your attention back to your breath rhythm. 
5. Focus on your breath until you feel relaxed (5-10 rounds) and then just be with your body and your awareness of how the breath feels nourishing your body from the inside out.