Latest news with #Nadi
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Breathing Hack That Enhances Focus and Lowers Cortisol Fast
We're a society constantly on the move, and it's wearing us down. Between early morning commutes, nonstop Slack pings, and never-ending to-do lists, most guys are running on fumes. Sure, you might squeeze in a game or catch a few minutes of your favorite show, but real downtime? Practically nonexistent. That's where breathwork comes in. Yeah, we know—sitting down to 'just breathe' sounds like some crunchy wellness trend. But here's the thing: It actually works. Straightforward breathing techniques can lower stress and dial in your focus. There are tons of ways to lower stress, but one technique stands out for its surprisingly powerful, almost instant calming effect. Alternate nostril breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana, is exactly what it sounds like: You breathe in through one nostril while closing the other, then switch sides. It might seem simple, but this practice does wonders for calming your nervous system and restoring start, block your right nostril and inhale, then block the left and unblock the right, and exhale. Inhale through the right and then block the right and exhale from left. Keep repeating for 5-10 minutes (with 10 minutes being the most optimal amount of time to achieve nervous system balance). "I always recommend trying to tune in to yourself and feel what that balance means to you. Mark at what minute you feel best, seeing as everyone is different," says MJ Renshaw, a breathwork facilitator and the founder of The Being Method. Becoming more accustomed to that alert and calm feeling can teach your body how to arrive there faster and more often. Each nostril connects to the opposite side of your brain. The left hemisphere handles language and logic, while the right takes care of creativity and spatial awareness. Some studies suggest that alternate nostril breathing may help stimulate both sides of the brain, leading to better balance between analytical and creative thinking, while also calming your nervous system in the process. "Your right nostril will stimulate the left hemisphere and create sympathetic nervous system activity, while the left nostril will stimulate the right hemisphere and parasympathetic nervous system activity," says Renshaw. "Each hemisphere is responsible for a different way of thinking. Balancing both allows you to be focused and productive, but also use creativity to solve problems and have access to new ideas."Because alternate nostril breathing helps to create more balance in the nervous system, your body produces less cortisol and can function in a more parasympathetic state. When your body is in what Renshaw refers to as a "rest and digest mode," it can help you function better. "This is when your body will absorb nutrients best, digest with ease, and also do any healing your body needs, for example, detoxing or getting rid of old cells," she adds. "This state is vital for healing and maintaining a healthy body, but it's missing in a lot of people's lives because chronic stress is so common." The Breathing Hack That Enhances Focus and Lowers Cortisol Fast first appeared on Men's Journal on May 23, 2025
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Fiji farmers urged to be vigilant for fall armyworm
Fall Armyworm Photo: Foundation for Arable Research The whole of Fiji has been declared a biosecurity emergency area for fall armywarm, a type of moth (and larvae). Fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda ) was detected at a maize farm in Nadi. The insect is a significant pest for crops like maize and sweetcorn. Fiji's Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Vatimi Rayalu, visited two affected farms in Uciwai, Nadi, last month. He said fall armyworm is an enemy to Fiji's agricultural production. "It jeopardizes our food security, farmer livelihoods, and national economic growth," he said. "This threat must be dealt with through all means possible - from scientific control methods to grassroots community action." The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Sugar Research Institute of Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways have been leading the response. The response includes field surveillance, awareness sessions for farmers, and deployment of control measures where necessary. Rayalu emphasized that fighting the pest requires full participation from everyone involved in agriculture. "We are mobilizing resources and technical support, but success depends on every farmer, extension officer, and stakeholder playing their part." The ministry is urging all farmers to remain vigilant, report any signs of infestation, and adopt recommended control strategies without delay. The pest, which can munch its way through more than 350 plant species, is believed to have blown over to New Zealand from Australia after a cyclone in early 2022. After a year of battling the pest, the Ministry for Primary Industries and industry partners agreed in 2024 to close the response and shift the focus to long-term management.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Pranayama routines that can help you kick the butt: How to control smoking urges
Written by Vikram Manikya Cigarettes are a gateway drug. Scientists have identified tobacco addiction as the gateway to hard drugs like ganja (cannabis or marijuana) and cocaine. Hence, we cannot take tobacco addiction lightly. The International Journal of Yoga has researched the benefits of practising pranayamas on nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms and found that pranayamas help reduce both of them. Here are a few effective routines to supplement the journey of de-addiction. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama ⦁ Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight, preferably in Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Sukhasana (Easy Pose). ⦁ Relax your shoulders and body. ⦁ Place your left hand on your left knee with fingers in 'Chin Mudra', where you gently touch the thumb and index finger. You bring forward the rest of the three fingers. ⦁ Place the tips of your index and middle fingers at the centre of your eyebrows. ⦁ Place your ring and little fingers on your left nostril. ⦁ Place your thumb on the right nostril. ⦁ The ring and little fingers will be used to open and close the left nostril. ⦁ The thumb will be used to open and close the right nostril. ⦁ Take a normal breath with both nostrils, position your fingers — thumb on the right, index and middle fingers in between your eyebrows, and ring and little fingers on the left. ⦁ Breathe out through the left nostril by closing your right nostril with your thumb. ⦁ Now, breathe in through the left nostril and close it with your ring and little fingers after completing inhalation. ⦁ Remove your thumb to exhale through the right nostril. Keep your left nostril closed with your ring and little fingers. ⦁ Inhale through the right nostril and close it with your thumb after completing inhalation. ⦁ Breathe out through the left nostril by closing your right nostril with your thumb. This marks the completion of one round of 'nadi shodhan pranayama'. ⦁ Continue alternating nostrils, inhaling through one nostril and exhaling through the other. ⦁ After each exhalation, remember to breathe in through the same nostril. ⦁ Complete nine such rounds by breathing through both nostrils alternately. ⦁ Continue taking long and deep normal breaths, effortlessly. Bhastrika Pranayama ⦁ Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight, preferably in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) or Sukhasana (Easy Pose). ⦁ Relax your shoulders and body. ⦁ Make fists and fold your arms. Place them close to your shoulders Bhastrika Pranayama 1 ⦁ Inhale deeply with both your nostrils. Fill your lungs completely. ⦁ Raise both arms and unfold your fists. ⦁ Exhale forcefully through both nostrils. Empty your lungs completely. Bhastrika Pranayama 2 ⦁ Bring your arms next to your shoulders. ⦁ Close your fists. Settle into the beginning pose. ⦁ Repeat 20 rounds. ⦁ The breathing should be rapid and forceful. ⦁ Relax with palms on your thighs, open towards the ceiling. ⦁ Take a few deep, normal breaths. ⦁ Continue for 2 more rounds. Bhramari Pranayama ⦁ Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight, preferably in Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Sukhasana (Easy Pose). ⦁ Close your eyes, and keep a gentle smile on your face. ⦁ Place your index finger on the cartilage between your cheek and ear as depicted in the image below: ⦁ Take a normal, deep breath in, and as you breathe out, gently press the cartilage with your index finger. ⦁ Make a low humming sound like a bee while you press it in and out with your index finger. ⦁ High-pitched humming is always better than low or medium pitch. ⦁ Breathe normally and continue this pattern for 3-4 rounds. (The author is Director, The Art of Living Wellness Programme)
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Moana and Drua award players for 2025 season
Ardie Savea and Isoa Nasilasila received top honours at the their club awards night this week. Photo: Facebook / Moana Pasifika / Fijian Drua Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua have awarded their best players for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season in separate award ceremonies on Tuesday. Ardie Savea was the unanimous choice for the Moana Man of the Year at the prizegiving held in Auckland. While Isoa Nasilasila received the same award for the Drua men's team in Nadi on the same night. Fijiana Drua women named flanker Alfreda Fisher the Women's Player of the Year. There were also other awards presented on the night to honour players and their achievements. Moana Pasifika said Savea has been hugely influential in elevating the side to its most successful season in history, while also having a standout individual season. He was also voted 'Fans' Player of the Year'. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 21, the competition's carries leader, won 'Rookie of the Year' and the 'Tangaloa Award for Best Defensive Player'. Ta'eiloa has taken the comptition by storm after coming in as a replacement player. Since his starting debut in round two "he hasn't looked back, owning his spot in the loose forward trio", Moana Pasifika stated. With 192 carries to his name, Ta'eiloa is still 29 ahead of the next best. Flanker Miracle Faiilagi and winger Kyren Taumoefolau were joint recipients of the 'Maui Award for Best Attacking Player'. The duo have eight tries each, and remain in the top 10 for tries scored in Super Rugby Pacific. Manu Samoa halfback Melani Matavao received the Personal Development Award, which is presented to a player who works diligently on their off-field growth and holistic development. Monu Moli was also the recipient of the Tautua Award celebrating a person who leads through service to the team and the wider community, while the Moana Pasifika 'Under 20s Player of the Year' was given to Jay Dunne, who played for the club at the Super Rugby Under 20s Tournament in Taupō. Individual milestones of Julian Savea (300 first class matches), Sione Havili Talitui (50 Super Rugby games) and Jonathan Taumateine (50 Super Rugby games) were also acknowledged at the event. Fijian Drua said their awards acknowledged players and those behind the scenes in both the Fijian Drua Men's and the Fijian Drua Women's teams. A total of 13 awards were handed out on the night. Lock forward Isoa Nasilasila was selected by head coach Glen Jackson for the 'Men's Player of the Year Award'. The club said the award is "most prestigious award to be handed out for the men's team tonight. Nasilasila has been a consistent performer for the Drua all season". "His work ethic, commitment and dedication has won him praise from coaches, staff, sponsors and fans alike." Fijiana national team captain Fisher was named the 'Women's Player of the Year'. She was selected by head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa. The club said that in her rookie season, Fisher stood out for her stellar performances and leadership on and off the field. Other awards included Frank Lomani claiming the 'Personal Development Award', which is awarded to the player who has made substantial gains on their life after rugby plans. "The winner is selected in consultation with the Pacific Rugby Players, the body representing professional rugby players in Fiji and the Pacific," the club said. "Frank Lomani has demonstrated remarkable initiative and productivity through his Life After Rugby (LAR) plans. Following his participation in the Start Your Own Business course, Frank took confident steps to bring his vision to life-establishing his own transportation company, Masada Riders. "His business continues to grow, and he has plans in the pipeline of expanding into other ventures, all while diversifying his portfolio." Utility player Tuidraki Samusamuvodre received the 'Community Champion- Men' award for his involvement with community and sponsorship activities. Josivini Naihamu was awarded the 'Women's Rookie of the Year' award, while Ponipate Loganimasi received the 'Men's Rookie of the Year'. The two both made their debuts for the Drua in the 2025 season and impressed with their performances. Zuriel Togiatama was awarded the 'Dausoko Award' for consistently modelling the Club's values of relentlessness, discipline, and integrity. Both the Drua and Moana Pasifika will be in action again on Saturday in the final round of the Super Rugby Pacific competition. The Drua meeting the Reds in Brisbane, while Moana Pasifika will take on the Hurricanes in Wellington.
RNZ News
26-05-2025
- RNZ News
Fiji police and customs officers among those charged in meth smuggling attempt
Authorities are continuing investigations into what they believe may be a wider criminal network, the statement added. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Two police officers, a senior manager at the Fiji customs office and a foreign national are among seven people who have been charged so far with allegedly attempting to smuggle four kilograms of methamphetamine into the country. Border officials seized the drugs, which were concealed in airfreight, at Nadi International Airport during a joint operation between the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS). In a joint statement on 19 May, the two organisations said that they had "successfully disrupted a significant attempt to smuggle methamphetamine into the country". "The interception took place after FRCS Customs Officers identified irregularities during screening of an airfreight consignment from a Southeast African nation. A thorough inspection uncovered several packets concealing over 4 kilograms of methamphetamine." Authorities are continuing investigations into what they believe may be a wider criminal network, the statement added. The two police officers who were charged are based at the Counter Narcotics Bureau, which was endorsed by Cabinet in July last year as an independent unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu Photo: Screengrab/Fiji Police Force Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and Minister for Police Ioane Naivalarua told reporters that the bureau needs to undergo an urgent review. Tudravu told that they are considering a new structure as well as readvertising positions within the bureau. Meanwhile, the FRCS border manager was denied bail by the Magistrates Court on Monday. The case has been adjourned to next Tuesday and transferred to the High Court.
