Bhramari Pranayama (humming bird breath)

Bhramari Pranayama (humming bird breath)

To do this pose:

Come to a comfortable seated position on your mat with your hands relaxed on your knees. Close your eyes and start to breathe in and out through your nose. When you feel relaxed and ready, start to hum on the outbreath, keeping your lips lightly sealed, and breathing through the nose only. Continue this pattern of inhaling through the nose, and exhaling through the nose while humming for as long as you feel is comfortable. 

How this pose is especially beneficial for nurses: 

• It helps to slow the mind and combat anxiety! This breathing technique requires some concentration so forcing your attention on it can help calm the racing thoughts in your mind or when you’re feeling very overwhelmed. Use this practice to help yourself be more mindful or when you’re feeling especially stressed at work to truly quiet your mind. 
• It has also been shown to enhance neurotransmitter activity and improve memory. This is because this type of breathing increases the release of nitric oxide which plays a significant role in metabolism in general in all parts of the body. It has also been shown to increase BMR and slow the aging process. So this can be truly rejuvenating when done only for 15 breaths! 
• It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and releases the happy hormones of serotonin and dopamine. This helps your entire body and mind relax after a stressful moment like a code, or a long shift when getting ready for bed. So relax, breathe, and feel your body open up to those benefits and positive emotions.