Exercises that will relax your system

There is no human being on this planet who does not suffer from some form of anxiety. When things go out of a individual’s control, he or she feels that their world is collapsing around them. It could be something as simple as a lost mobile or being late to work but the physical imbalance that these situations can cause are in the long run harmful and toxic for the system. The simplest way to remove anxiety is by taking one or two deep breaths, but, modern life style has created so many sources of anxiety that sometimes this simple technique may not work. To tackle this problem from all angles we start this series with some simple techniques that relax and cool down your system. While practicing these techniques try to forget the source of your anxiety and simply be with your breath.

Caution: Those with high blood pressure, gynaecological problems, stomach ailments or who’ve had recent surgery, should consult their doctor before doing exercise two.

Exercise 1, 1B

Exercise 1

• Sit in padmasan
• Roll your tongue as shown
• Slowly inhale to a count of five through the passage made by the tongue
• Exhale through the nostrils to a count of ten
• Repeat 10-15 times.

Exercise 1b
(For those who may find exercise two difficult)
• Make a square shape with your lips, showing your teeth
• Slowly inhale to a count of five through your mouth with teeth clenched
• Exhale slowly through your nose
• Repeat 10-15 times.

Exercise 2

Exercise 2

• Sit back on your heels as shown, place your palms on your knees as shown, keep your back straight and close your eyes
• Exhale forcefully and rapidly through the nose in quick succession, pulling the stomach in towards the spine as you exhale. Inhalation will be automatic and passive between every two exhalations
• Practice 50 exhalations at a stretch
• Repeat three times.

Exercise 3a, 3b, 3c

Exercise 3
• Stand straight your feet together, your palms joined in front of your chest
• Breathe normally
• Slowly inhale, keep your palms together and slowly bend your back, stretching your arms over your head
• Exhale and bend forward from your hip
• Place your palms on the floor and your head on your knees
• Keep your knees straight
• Slowly inhale, keep your palms together and slowly bend your back, stretching your arms over your head
• Repeat this cycle 10 times.