We breathe constantly, but breathing mindfully and paying attention to the process can help ease pain, boost energy, and strengthen your immune system. Controlled breathing has been shown to improve your health by:
Lowering cortisol levels
Lowering blood pressure
Improving autonomic response to physical and mental stress
Improving arterial blood flow
These exercises can be performed seated and are especially helpful for seniors who cannot fully participate in more strenuous physical exercise.
Here are three guided breathing exercises from the team at Yoga Bharati, a Bay Area non-profit organization with a vision of enhancing Health, Happiness, Knowledge, & Peace in life through a holistic approach to yoga.
Pranayama is the practice of breath control in yoga. This video produced by Yoga Bharati and Breathe California demonstrates guided Pranayama breathing exercises ideal for seniors. You may participate seated on a chair or on the floor. This practice is both relaxing and beneficial for your physical health.
This is a simple Pranayama to promotes a healthier immune system as a preventative measure against coronavirus. One can practice this without the knowledge of previous pranayama practice.
This simple 20 min Pranayama practice includes Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, Sectional Breathing, Alternate nostril breathing (Anuloma Viloma or Nadi Shuddhi) and Bhramari (Humming breath).
This is a presentation detailing the benefits of deep breathing, and outlining a basic routine. Throughout the breathing exercise, move gently and slowly, listen to your body, and remember to breathe in through the nose and exhale through the mouth.
