Stress Relief Tool - Alternate Nostril Breathing

In a previous blog post, I mentioned the benefits of deep breathing for stress relief. Alternate nostril breathing can also be an effective way to help reduce your stress. In fact, inhaling through the left nostril triggers the rest-relaxation response, the parasympathetic nervous system. And inhaling through the right stimulates the fight-flight response, the sympathetic nervous system. By choosing which nostril you use to inhale, you can make yourself either be more relaxed, the left nostril, or more energized with the right nostril. And when you alternate your nostril breathing, you actually bring your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems into equilibrium, which will help dampen your overactive stress response. So try breathing out of each nostril individually and enjoy a more relaxed and energized feeling.