Latest news with #Pranayama
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Free Yoga Sessions across Tumakuru ahead of International Yoga Day 2025
In the run-up to International Yoga Day 2025, Shri Patanjali Yoga Shikshana Samiti (R), Karnataka – Central Office Tumakuru, has announced a city-wide initiative offering free yoga classes to residents of Tumakuru. The programme is aimed at promoting holistic health and well-being through the practice of Yogasanas, Pranayama, and Dhyana. Beginning June 4, 2025, the daily yoga sessions will be held from 5.30 a.m. to 7 a.m. across 25 different locations in Tumakuru city. The initiative is open to the public and encourages participation from individuals of all age groups. Some of the key venues include: Kids International School Campus, Siddarameshwara Layout; Ayush Bhavan, Nrupathunga Layout; 3rd 'A' Cross, Sanjeevini Park, Maruthi Nagar; Saptagiri Library Campus, T.P. Kailasam Road, Saptagiri Layout Vipra Bhavan, Jayanagar West.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Yoga for mental, physical, and spiritual well-being: How Patanjali helps
(Image: patanjaliproducts/Instagram) Stress, tensions, overwhelm, anxiety, lack of physical activity, and much more, are just the common friends people have today. And as unhealthy lifestyles increase, it becomes hard to find time to focus on personal well-being. Be it managing stress, trying to stay fit, or even answering the deeper question in life. Humans are just in a state of always doing something, but hardly achieving anything. However, over time, one path that has helped people is Yoga. Yoga, meditation, spirituality, manifesting and affirming techniques, and much more are now giving people the time off they deserve and their bodies need. Rooted in ancient traditions, Yoga is not a new trend. It is based on thousands of years of teachings, practices, Yoga sutras, and much more. Yoga has always helped people focus on creating balance between the body, mind, and spirit, and in a busy era, this approach is just what people need. The physical benefits by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo One of the main reasons people are drawn to yoga is its positive impact on physical health. The practice involves a series of asanas that help improve flexibility, strength, and posture. Regular practice of Yoga also helps relieve common health issues like back pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue. And unlike many modern fitness routines that put their focus on high-intensity workouts, Yoga focuses on controlled movements and mindful breathing. This makes it doable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and does not put strain on the body. Moreover, Patanjali Yoga includes practices like Pranayama, Anulom Vilom, Kapalbhati, and much more, that helps maintain good health overtime. Mental well-being Even beyond the physical benefits, Patanjali Yoga is well-known for its effects on mental health. In a world where anxiety and stress are increasingly common, many have turned to yoga as a natural coping tool. Why? Because in a way, these asanas and breathwork encourage mindfulness, and being present in the moment. Breathing exercises and meditation techniques taught in Yoga help calm the nervous system, clear the mind, and improve concentration. Over time, regular practitioners feel a difference in themselves, feeling more balanced, less reactive to stress, and better equipped to handle life's challenges. Spiritual growth with Yoga For people who wish to see more than physical and mental benefits, Yoga also helps them dive into spiritual journeys. As you breathe, and meditate, and start being more mindful, you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world. The main teachings of Yoga are all about self-discipline, inner reflection, and ethical living, and then through the asanas, practices, and more, people start to look within themselves, answering the deeper questions of life. How Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved help When we talk about Yoga today, one cannot miss thinking about Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved. Baba Ramdev has played a major role in making yoga more popular and accessible to people across India and around the world, and from his television programs, public yoga camps, and books, he has taught simple yoga techniques that people of all ages can practice at home. His focus on using yoga to manage everyday health issues, along with his clear and easy style of teaching, has encouraged so many people around the world to include yoga in their daily lives, and in every home there is one elder member who still tunes in to Baba Ramdev's videos every morning and follows along with his Yogic techniques.
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Aries Horoscope Predictions for Tomorrow, April 26, 2025: Destiny brings changes
Tomorrow, you will have the energy of new hope, with lots of new ideas and sentiments to guide you. Finally, you may have some confidence to march forward with some bold decisions. But stay grounded and keep a close watch on yourself so that you do not hurry into anything. A very simple prayer seeking the elders' blessings is the prerequisite for starting anything today. Although Rahu causes some confusion, your inherent fire will guide you. Trust your common sense and remain calm in emotional moments. An increased intensity and a turning point in romance could bring more intense emotions or present occurrences to light. Single folks can find themselves suddenly and strongly falling in love with someone. Those already married or committed may have an important long conversation that will unburden many past misunderstandings. Be gentle in words and let love be expressed through little acts of kindness. Real love is peaceful and harmonious and not drama-driven. Your career poses a possibility of a new opportunity or additional responsibility tomorrow. Grab it, for it could be a step towards growth. Be honest about what you are doing and set a goal. Saturn is testing your authority, so no room for lethargy. Job-holders should not spend a moment gossiping but instead should concentrate on their work. Businessmen should be careful of some kind of self-sabotage. Instead, it is good to trust the counsel of someone senior or a mentor. Financial prospects are average today, but there can be sudden small gains from everyday sources. Shun expenses on non-essentials. You may want to look at various ways to conserve money. Rahu might cause some trouble in online or quick money decisions, so tread carefully. Purchase of the house and children may come within budget, yet with financial discipline, you will be able to balance it. Always maintain the sanctity of your money, and let the stars bless you with riches by keeping your wallet clean. Keep a careful watch on today's health, with more emphasis on the head, eyes, and stomach areas. You may feel stressed or tired; hence, do not skip your meal; drink as much water as you can. You will face headaches and perhaps acidity if you stress it by over-resting. Too much time on the computer should not be spent, whilst making sure you take some fresh fruit each day. Practice deep breathing or Pranayama to find your inner peace. ---------------------- Neeraj Dhankher (Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi) Email: info@ neeraj@ Url: Contact: Noida: +919910094779 Choose sun sign to read horoscope
Express Tribune
22-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
A science based 4-7-8 breathing technique for better sleep and anxiety
Listen to article People often face daily struggles, from stress on bad days to difficulty relaxing or sleeping. A simple yet effective solution exists—the breathing technique, also known as the relaxing breath. This article explores its benefits and how to use it. Inspired by traditional Pranayama exercises, the 4-7-8 breathing technique was popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil in 2015. This method, which involves inhaling for four seconds, holding the breath for seven, and exhaling for eight, is designed to promote relaxation and ease stress, anxiety, and other challenges. The rhythmic pattern is believed to balance the autonomic nervous system, fostering a sense of calm and serenity. Dr. Weil describes the 4-7-8 technique as a highly effective, portable stress reliever. It works almost instantly, requires no special equipment, takes little time, and can be practiced anywhere. While it can be performed in any position, beginners should sit with a straight back. Throughout the exercise, place the tip of your tongue against the tissue ridge just below your top front teeth. If this feels awkward, slightly purse your lips while exhaling around your tongue. Follow these steps, as outlined by Dr. Weil: • Exhale completely through your mouth, creating a whooshing sound. • Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose while mentally counting to four. • Hold your breath for a count of seven. • Exhale fully through your mouth with a whooshing sound to the count of eight—this completes one breath. • Repeat the cycle three more times, completing a total of four breaths. The 4-7-8 breathing technique promotes relaxation by influencing the nervous system responsible for heart rate, digestion, and respiration. By counteracting stress, it fosters a sense of calm and balance. The science behind this method lies in its structured breathing pattern. Inhaling deeply for four seconds activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling the body to relax. Holding the breath for seven seconds enhances oxygen flow and increases carbon dioxide levels, which further soothes the mind. Finally, exhaling slowly for eight seconds lowers the heart rate and reduces the fight-or-flight response, creating a state of peace and relaxation. Benefits of the 4-7-8 breathing technique: Improves sleep The 4-7-8 breathing method is widely used to aid sleep by relaxing the body and calming the mind. Many individuals with sleep difficulties turn to this technique, similar to other deep breathing exercises. A 2015 study found that slow breathing reduced vagal activity in insomnia sufferers, supporting the 4-7-8 method as a useful tool for improving sleep. Reduces stress and anxiety This technique is also effective in lowering anxiety levels. A 2018 study found that breath control exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety. This supports the 4-7-8 breathing method as a reliable calming technique. Calms panic attacks By reducing stress and anxiety, the 4-7-8 breathing technique can help manage panic attacks. It is recommended as a tool to ease symptoms associated with panic attacks, stress, and anxiety. Enhances breathing efficiency The technique promotes slow, deep breathing through the nose, which can improve respiratory function. A 2019 study found that it helped reduce breathing difficulties in COPD patients, suggesting it may enhance overall lung efficiency. Lowers blood pressure By promoting relaxation, this method can help regulate blood pressure. A 2023 scoping review on slow breathing exercises found that they serve as a non-pharmacological approach to lowering blood pressure, supporting heart health. Manages food cravings For those struggling with food cravings, the 4-7-8 breathing technique may help. A 2017 pilot study found that slow-paced breathing delayed hunger in participants, leading experts, including Dr. Andrew Weil, to recommend it as a tool for managing cravings. Controls emotional responses This technique can improve mental and emotional well-being. A 2017 study found that diaphragmatic breathing enhanced attention, reduced negative emotions, and lowered cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Participants experienced better focus and emotional balance. How to get started To integrate the 4-7-8 breathing technique into your routine, start with four cycles twice a day. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase to eight cycles per session. If using it for sleep, you may drift off before completing the exercise. Regular practice enhances its effectiveness over time. Caution: This technique induces deep relaxation and drowsiness, so it should only be performed while sitting or lying down to prevent dizziness. Individuals with respiratory issues or other health concerns should consult a doctor before content is only for informational purposes and not a substitute for medical advice and doctor's assistance. .
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Yahoo
Have a fear of flying? You're not alone. Here's how these people cope with flight anxiety.
A recent rash of air travel incidents — from fatal crashes in Washington, D.C. and Alaska to yesterday's crash that left a Delta aircraft upside-down on a Toronto runway — have ramped up concerns about flight safety. That's especially true for people with a fear of flying, some of whom spoke to Yahoo Life in 2024 to share the travel tips they lean on to manage their flight anxiety. Here's what they — and an expert trained in helping people feel more comfortable navigating the friendly skies — recommend. Flying is an occupational necessity for travel writer Lola Méndez, but, as someone with claustrophobia, that doesn't make it any easier. Méndez's first experience with mid-flight anxiety was a shock. She'd already been traveling full-time for years before she started hyperventilating and crying in the sky over Papua New Guinea in 2018. At first, Méndez attributed her physical reaction to the stress of being in a small single-engine Cessna, but it quickly became a miserable pattern on both small-seater planes and large commercial jets. 'But as a travel journalist, I fly all the time, so it's something I've had to learn to cope with,' Méndez tells Yahoo Life. She says it helps with her claustrophobia to board last because it shortens her time on the plane, to book an aisle seat as close to the front of the plane as possible, to take CBD before flying (if it's legal where she's traveling), to download content on her device to keep her distracted in the air and to bring lavender oil and Xanax in her bag as a backup. She also likes to practice Pranayama — breathing exercises often used in yoga — to remain calm. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unlike Méndez, Emmie Newitt has always been afraid of flying, fearful that the plane might crash or be taken hostage, or that she might have some sort of health scare on board. She's tried to conquer her fear of flying with exposure, but it's still scary, especially after experiencing a tumultuous landing on one flight. 'The plane was swaying so much that [it] hit the runway, then took off again to try the second time,' Newitt tells Yahoo Life via email. Judy Lamb isn't worried about the flight itself. Her dad was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, and she loves being in the air and the physical acts of taking off, cruising and landing. For her, the anxiety comes from the 'extra stuff": navigating airports, waiting at gates and accepting the omnipresent risk of being delayed, rerouted, canceled or stuck on the tarmac. 'There's nothing more anxiety-producing than sitting on the tarmac,' Lamb tells Yahoo Life. Lamb can't remember the last time she flew, but believes it was around seven years ago. Thankfully, both of her grandkids live within driving distance, so she doesn't have to fly; however, she would if she wanted to go on a vacation somewhere far away. In that situation, especially if it involved a long flight like when she went to Italy, she'd probably take a Xanax, she says. Whether it's claustrophobia, safety fears or the potential for logistical nightmares, most people's flight anxiety stems from feeling out of control. But why — and what can be done about it? Everyone experiences small trauma, and often these negative experiences can leave people feeling like they aren't in control or can't escape. 'These non-flying situations that turned out to be not so great make the flying experiences seem strangely big, but they are borrowing power — negative power, negative energy — from non-flying traumas,' Tom Bunn, an airline captain, licensed therapist and president and founder of SOAR, Inc., a program designed to help people overcome their fear of flying, tells Yahoo Life. As the plane moves farther away from the ground, people lose more and more of the control they have over their environment, which can make anxiety and claustrophobia worse. 'You'll find that most people who have trouble with flying have a trouble with some other similar no-control situation ([such as being in] elevators, bridges, tunnels, high places and MRIs)," Bunn explains. "It's usually not just about flying, which tells us it not only is about the question of safety on the plane, it's about emotional safety." Most anxious fliers develop personal strategies for feeling more in control or mitigating the anxiety they feel. Those personal tools can be lavender oil and breathing techniques or repeat exposure or prescription medication. Dunn also offers three tips of his own that he believes can help all fliers feel more in control and decrease their anxiety in the air: Try to meet the pilot: 'No one would go to a hospital for an operation without meeting the doctor," Bunn says. "If you do meet that person, you're going to feel a lot better on the flight.' To do this, Bunn encourages passengers to get to the boarding area earlier, tell the flight attendant (or gate agent) they are an anxious flier and ask if it's possible to say hello to the pilot before taking off. This can also give those passengers who get nervous about weather conditions a chance to ask the pilot if they think the flight will be smooth or rough and how much turbulence to expect. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise: This exercise can help reduce stress, according to Bunn. 'If something happens that alarms you, that feeling of alarm is caused by stress hormones being released," he explains. "What we want to do is ... stop paying attention to everything around you for 90 seconds, so you can burn those stress hormones off and get back to calm again." For the exercise, people should look straight ahead. Then make five statements about what you see in your peripheral vision (a window, someone wearing headphones, etc.), five statements about what you hear (two people talking, a child laughing) and five statements about what you physically touch (the wrinkles on the leather seat, the rough edge of the seat belt strap, the smooth armrest). Then repeat the process with four things you see, hear and touch, and continue to repeat until you get to naming one thing for each sense. Don't rush: Bunn acknowledges that some people like to rush to the airport and keep busy before the flight, but he encourages people to prepare enough in advance so that the trip to the airport, getting through security and finding their gate isn't stressful. This decreases the worries and anxiety that people carry with them before they board, so they feel more in control when they're on the plane. Another thing Bunn notes: Flying is still much safer than driving. 'People may not have control [in the air], but you can bet that captain has total control [of the plane], and your captain wants to get back home at the end of the day to be with his or her family, just like you do," Bunn adds. "And they know how to do it."
