HomeFeaturesBONJ SeriesYoga at Work: The Best Breathing Exercises

Yoga at Work: The Best Breathing Exercises

The breath, or prana, is a vital part of yoga as it connects the mind to the present moment. When focusing on the air coming in and out during breathing exercises, our mind is less likely to wander. Prana also allows us to delve deeper into each pose, exploring areas we thought unable to reach.

For example, when you’re practicing a forward fold, we can use the inhale to lengthen the spine and create space, while using the exhale to move slowly into the space we created, even if it’s a fraction of a centimeter. Poses are not static and using the breath allows us to feel the pose. When we hold the breath, we block the prana, or the energy (because without breath our body will shut down), to our lungs and cells.


More From Best of NJ

[bibblio style=”bib–row-3 bib–hover bib–white-label bib–font-arial bib–default bib–size-16 bib–shine” query_string_params=”eyJ1dG1fc291cmNlIjoiQmliYmxpbyIsInV0bV9tZWRpdW0iOiJNb2R1bGUiLCJ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24iOiJSZWNvbW1lbmRhdGlvbnMifQ==” recommendation_type=”optimised”]


Besides integrating the breath into each asana as well as the movement between each asana, we can practice pranayama, or control of the breath, during breathing exercises. Pranayama exercises are an important part of any yoga practice, whether you’re fully concentrating on the breath throughout your practice or practicing pranayama.

Below are three breathing exercises that will help you explore the benefits of moving and focusing on the breath.


Forward Fold with Breath Awareness

Sitting on the edge of a blanket so your pelvis tilts forward, extend your legs out in front of you and rock from side to side to firmly root into your sit bones (your sitting bones in your glutes). Keeping your hands at your sides, flex your feet and unlock your knees, inhale to five as you lengthen the spine, and as you exhale to seven slowly start to tilt forward, walking your fingertips alongside your legs. Instead of rounding the spine, focus on keeping the spine long, reaching the heart towards the toes.

Keep lengthening as you inhale and fold a little bit deeper as you exhale until you’ve reached your “personal edge.” Allow your head to relax and keep an internal focus on the breath. Stay here for at least 20 breaths, possibly feeling yourself open up a little bit more to fold a little bit deeper. When ready, lift your spine up on an inhale.


Yogic Breath

Breathing ExercisesSitting on a blanket, a bolster, or a cushion, close the eyes and begin to notice your natural spontaneous breath. Notice if the breath is shallow, deep, forced, or comfortable. Sit with this breath for a minute. Bring your hand to your belly, inhaling to five as you feel your belly expand like a balloon, then exhale to five as you feel your belly pull back towards your spine. Continue with this breath for a few minutes. Now bring your hand to the side of your ribs, focusing on bringing the inhale into the lungs as your ribs expand outward on the inhale (still to five) and hug into the mid-line during the exhale (still to five).

Follow this breath for a few minutes. Keep your one hand on your ribs and one hand on your belly. Inhale into your belly, then into your ribs, each for the count of three for a total of six. Then exhale, hugging the belly in first, then hugging the ribs in, each for the count of three for a total of six. Follow this breath for a few minutes for full yogic breath.

This pranayama exercise allows us to expand our lung capacity as we bring awareness to what a full inhale and exhale feels like in our body. As your pranayama practice grows stronger, you can lengthen the counts.


Bee Breath (Bhramari Pranayama)

Breathing ExercisesQuite possibly one of my favorite breathing techniques, Bee Breath may seem silly, but it is extremely effective in calming the mind, and releasing agitation and stress. Begin by finding a comfortable seat, closing the eyes, and noticing your natural spontaneous breath. After a few minutes, with your spine tall, place your index fingers on the cartilage between your cheek and ear to close off any external sound. Keep your elbows out to the sides of your body, parallel with your shoulders. Inhale to six and as you exhale, make a loud, high pitched humming sound like a bee. Practice 6-7 rounds and then come back to your comfortable seat, noticing any sensations that arise.

Practicing pranayama daily can help you stay in the present moment, reduce anxiety, and allow you to find calmness. It can be done anywhere; for example, in the car at a red light (instead of looking at your phone, follow your breath); while taking a shower, or even standing in line at the grocery store. Becoming more aware of your breath helps you open up your body in your yoga practice and in your life.

Looking for more tips on how to stay healthy through exercise? Let Yoga at Work: The Series be your guide!


Hero (Top) Feature Image: © julenochek / Adobe Stock
Additional Images Courtesy: Melissa Beverridge

ProfilePicMelissa Beveridge is a 200 hour registered yoga teacher, certified integrative health coach, aspiring gardener, and writer in Monmouth County. She’s passionate about sharing her lifestyle and combining her love of food, health, and wellness into her writing. Follow her adventures through New Jersey at MBeeWell.com. You can also find her on Twitter @MBeeWell, and Instagram @mbeewell.
Newsletter Signup Prompt