Do you feel extremely exhausted and out of breath right after a run? That must be because of poor breathing and lungs. Although breathing cannot be controlled, efforts can be made to improve breathing and significantly change your body. As we know, breathing doesn't have to be looked after as it is part of the involuntary system. However, it is a part of your body; like other muscles, breathing can also be controlled.

Having control over your breath helps in multiple unexpected situations. One of its significance is that it provides calmness in intense situations. Apart from this, there are numerous reasons and benefits of breathing exercises. These are particular to taught yoga called pranayama breathing exercises. If you are wandering or trying them out, there's no point waiting. We have discussed a few superior breathing exercises for you along with their proposed and performing guide.

Top pranayama breathing exercise in your yoga practice

Skull shining breath (Kapalabhati)

This is an aggressive form of pranayama breathing exercise. The process requires you to be forceful with your breathing while you inhale and exhale. Kapalabhati is best for those facing the stress and burden in their head. Performing this helps to feel fresher and lighter. Beginners can practice Kalapalbathi. Ensure you have mastered the skill before applying it during an asana.

Let's see how to use the Kapalbhati pranayama breathing exercises in your yoga practice.

1. First, do a regular inhalation and exhalation a few times to prepare your muscles for the upcoming exercise.
2. Start doing Kapalbhati, which you have to inhale and then speedily exhale with your nose. Do it often and try to maintain the force while you exhale the breath with your nose. It's like bursting out of air.
3. It is suggested to be in your stomach while exhaling. This helps to let the air out as much as possible. Make sure you do this each time while you do Kapalbhati.
4. Repeat it 20 times within a minute.

Kapalbhati breathing exercise can be applied to the majority of the yoga poses.

Equal breath (Sama vritti)

Do you want to feel relaxed in a calming environment? Here is what you can do. Sama Vritti has been primarily introduced to help with body balance. It creates a sense of peacefulness, which is quite good when feeling restless. Sama Vritti gives a soothing feeling along with its calling slow procedure. The exercise also involves Kumbhaka, another kind of breath-maintaining exercise in yoga.

Let's see how to use Sama Vritti in your yoga practice.

1. Slowly inhale air and start counting to four.
2. Keep the air in and wait till four seconds.
3. Once the countdown is over, you can slowly exhale the air out of your lungs.
4. Stop breathing and wait for another four seconds without inhaling air.

Once familiar with the procedure, you do it continuously for the next few minutes. If you can do it effortlessly, you can wait for 8 or 6 seconds instead of 4. This extends the circle of the Sama Vritti breathing exercise.

Lion breath (Simhasana)

If you are facing nervousness and anxiousness, then doing simhasana, also known as lion breath, would be a good option for you. This exercise mainly helps reduce tension, especially when feeling low. Although the pose may look weird while performing Simhasana, it is suitable for calming yourself down.

Let's see how to use the Simhasana pranayama breathing exercises in your yoga practice.

You can do it while sitting usually. However, it is suggested that the original pose be done in this exercise like a lion sitting on your knees and then putting his hands on the floor.

Once you are in the correct position, take a deep breath. Take out your tongue as much as possible and exhale forcefully with your mouth open. Ensure that the exhaling is done with the mouth instead of the nose. While performing Simhasana, try to focus on the center of your forehead.

While releasing the air through the widely opened. It will create a similar sound to a roar. Due to the similar ose and sound, this exercise is called lion breath.

Do this breathing exercise three times during yoga.

Alternative nose breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

After you have done all your breathing exercises and yoga, they often like to end their yoga session with Nadi Shodhana. Another type of pranayama breathing exercise is performed to finish the yoga. Although each breathing exercise is not tiring, performing this helps you feel fresher and more energetic. Because we have done so much breathing practice, our internal body won't be ready for a sudden stop. It is essential to make your body conscious f that it's time for rest. Nadi Shodhana assists each element that has been working during the breathing practice.

1. Sit comfortably in whatever position you feel like. We only use one hand, so put the other one on your leg of the floor.
2. If you're comfortable with your position or pose, take one hand up and take out the fore and middle fingers. Take two fingers and place them between your forehead.
3. While the finger is in the center of your forehead, place the thumb on top of your one notable; lastly, put the ring finger on top of another nostril. The position may sound confusing, but don't worry; with practice, you will soon find it easy to do.
4. Now that all your fingers are in their positions, it is time to start the Nadi Shodhana breathing. Squeeze one of the nostrils using your thumbs and breathe in the air the other opens.
5. Now squeeze the ring finger and release the thumbs to exhale the air from the alternative nostril.
6. Then, inhale again from the same side you exhale. Then exhales it from the other nostril. You have to exhale from the alternate nostril. For example, inhaling from the right nostril and exhaling from the left nostril. Then, inhale from the left nostril and exhale from the right nostril.
7. Do this seven times.

Final words

Performing Pranayama breathing exercises is quite beneficial for providing a sense of calmness. They often help to release stress and nervousness as well. Doing these exercises lets you have a fresher day. So, make sure to include them in your yoga practice.