This week, we share three invigorating breathing exercises to boost your energy levels and prepare you for the day ahead. Whether you're gearing up for a busy workday, an important meeting, or a significant event like a presentation or speech, these exercises will help you feel more alert and ready to tackle any challenge that may lie ahead. 

The Power of Energising Breaths

"Breath is the link between mind and body." 

Dan Brule

Breathing is a powerful tool that can invigorate your mind and body. In the preceding blog, we looked at using breathing as a tool to calm the body and mind. By harnessing the power of our breath, we can also increase our energy levels, improve focus, and enhance overall performance. Here are three breathing techniques to do exactly this:

🎯 Stimulating Breath

Stimulating breath, or 'Bellows breath', is a vigorous breathing exercise that can increase energy and alertness. This technique is excellent for a quick boost when you need to wake up your body and mind.

1. Sit Comfortably: Sit comfortably with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
2. Inhale and Exhale Rapidly: Close your mouth and inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose. Keep the breaths short and equal in duration.
3. Maintain a Steady Rhythm: Aim for 2-3 breaths per few seconds. Your breath should be audible, similar to the sound of a bellows.
4. Continue for 15-30 Seconds: Start with 15 seconds and gradually increase to 30 seconds as you become more comfortable with the technique.
5. Rest: After completing the exercise, breathe normally and observe the energising effects on your body.

🎯 Breath of Fire

Breath of Fire is a dynamic breathing technique commonly used in Kundalini yoga. It helps increase energy, enhance mental clarity, and strengthen the nervous system.

1. Sit in a Comfortable Position: Sit with your spine straight and hands resting on your knees.
2. Inhale and Exhale Rapidly: Begin with a deep inhale through your nose, followed by a rapid, rhythmic exhale through your nose. Each exhale should be powerful, pulling your navel in towards your spine.
3. Focus on Exhales: The focus is on the exhales; the inhales will naturally follow.
4. Maintain a Steady Pace: Continue steadily for 1-3 minutes.
5. Rest: After completing the exercise, take a few deep breaths and relax.

🎯 3-Part Breath (Dirga Pranayama)

The 3-Part Breath is a calming yet energising technique that involves filling the lungs completely with air. This can help increase oxygen flow and invigorate the body.

1. Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or lie comfortably with your spine straight.
2. Inhale Deeply: Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lower belly, then your rib cage, and finally your upper chest.
3. Exhale Fully: Exhale wholly and slowly through your nose, emptying your upper chest and rib cage, followed by your lower belly.
4. Repeat: Continue this pattern for 5-10 minutes, focusing on your lungs' full expansion and contraction.

Why Do These Techniques Work?

These breathing exercises increase oxygen flow to your brain and body, enhance alertness, and promote a sense of vitality. Regularly practising these techniques can help you stay energised and focused throughout the day.

 "Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I energise my mind." – Unknown

How to Integrate Energising Breaths into Your Routine

💎 Start your morning with a Stimulating Breath to kickstart your day with energy.
💎 Use Breath of Fire before essential meetings to sharpen your focus and enhance mental clarity.
💎 Practice a 3-Part Breath before presentations or speeches to calm your nerves while boosting your energy levels.

Taking a few moments each day to focus on your breath can significantly affect your energy levels and overall well-being. These energising breathing exercises are simple yet powerful tools that help you feel more alert and ready to tackle any challenge.