This simple yet powerful technique is  easy to do, and it creates a deep sense of well-being and harmony on the physical, mental, and emotional levels. It balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Ancient yogic texts explain that the nostril on the right is our sun nostril and it controls our energy level; our left nostril is our lunar nostril and it controls our emotions. You can use this breathing technique to help manage stresses in your daily life. You may also find that practicing alternate nostril breathing helps you to be more mindful of the present moment.

Here’s how to do it:

• Sit in a comfortable position with your legs crossed.
• Place your left hand on your left knee.
• Lift your right hand up toward your nose.
• Exhale completely and then use your right thumb to close your right nostril.
• Inhale through your left nostril and then close the left nostril with your fingers.
• Open the right nostril and exhale through this side.
• Inhale through the right nostril and then close this nostril.
• Open the left nostril and exhale through the left side.
• This is one cycle.
• Continue for up to 5 minutes.
• Always complete the practice by finishing with an exhale on the left side.