Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)

Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)

To do this pose:

Sit on your mat in any pose that is comfortable. Start with a slow and deep inhale followed by a slow and deep exhale to relax your body and close your eyes. Fold your index and middle fingers into the palm of your right hand. Use your right thumb to occlude your right nostril. Inhale slowly into your left nostril, briefly pause, remove your right thumb from your nose and occlude your left nostril with your ring and pinky fingers, and exhale slowly through your right nostril. Keep your fingers in that position and inhale again slowly through your nostril. Continue this pattern for 2-3 minutes. 

How this pose is especially beneficial for nurses: 

• This practice is thought to clear and purge the inner channels of the body and mind. If you’ve had a hard shift, this practice can help clear it from your mind before starting your evening wind down time so that the stress doesn’t carry into it. 
• It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which induces relaxation and rest, which can be especially helpful when feeling wired or like you’re having racing thoughts leftover from the day. 
• It increases oxygen to your brain and your body, including all your sore muscles!