"Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) for Stress Relief, Better Sleep, and Mental Clarity"
Pranayama Breathing Exercises for Mental Health Pranayama, the ancient practice of controlled breathing, is a cornerstone of yoga that has been used for centuries to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Derived from the Sanskrit words “prana” (life force) and “ayama” (control), pranayama focuses on regulating the breath to harmonize the mind and body. In recent years, scientific research has increasingly validated the mental health benefits of pranayama, making it a valuable tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. The Connection Between Breath and Mental Health Breathing is more than just a physical act. It directly influences our mental state. Rapid, shallow breathing often accompanies stress and anxiety, while slow, deep breathing signals relaxation to the brain. Pranayama helps to consciously regulate breathing patterns, activating the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s "rest and digest" mode—which counters the stress response. ...