5 Breathing Techniques I Love as a Yoga Teacher 🧘‍♀️✨

Hello, lovely yogis! As a yoga teacher, I’m constantly reminded of the incredible power of breathing techniques in helping us find balance, calm, and focus. Breathwork can be such a game-changer, both on and off the mat. Today, I’m excited to share five breathing techniques I absolutely love, including my favourite, Ujjayi or “Ocean Breath.” 🌊

While I often use Box Breathing in my classes for its simplicity and effectiveness, I’m feeling more adventurous and looking forward to introducing some of these other techniques too. Here’s how you can try them for yourself!

1. Ocean Breath (Ujjayi Pranayama) 🌊

This is my absolute favourite breathing technique! Ocean Breath is known for the calming, wave-like sound it creates, which is perfect for centring the mind and slowing down. I find it deeply grounding and ideal for flowing through a yoga practice or simply calming the mind.

How to do it:

1. Sit comfortably or get into a relaxed yoga pose.

2. Inhale through your nose, slightly constricting the back of your throat as if you were fogging up a mirror (only with your mouth closed).

3. Exhale through your nose with the same gentle throat constriction, listening for that soft “ocean” sound. 🌊

4. Breathe slowly and deeply, focusing on the sound to keep your mind quiet and present.

   
   

Ocean Breath is a fantastic companion to yoga flows that need balance and concentration. Give it a try whenever you want to feel more connected to yourself and the present moment.

2. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana) 🌬️

Alternate Nostril Breathing is one of the best techniques for balancing your energy and relieving stress. It’s a great way to reset, and it’s perfect for pre-meditation or anytime you need to refocus.

How to do it:

1. Sit comfortably and bring your right hand to your nose.

2. Use your right thumb to close your right nostril and inhale slowly through your left nostril.

3. Close your left nostril with your ring finger, release the right nostril, and exhale through the right side.

4. Inhale through the right nostril, close it with your thumb, release the left nostril, and exhale through the left side.

5. Repeat this cycle a few times, letting yourself relax into the rhythm.

   
   

This technique is brilliant for clearing mental “fog” and feeling more balanced and calm.

3. Box Breathing (Square Breathing) 📦

This is the technique I use most in my classes as it’s so simple and effective, especially for anyone new to breathwork. Box Breathing is fantastic for grounding and helps focus the mind quickly—perfect for all levels and especially helpful during moments of stress or overwhelm.

How to do it:

1. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 3.

2. Hold your breath for a count of 3.

3. Exhale through your nose for a count of 3.

4. Pause and hold for a count of 3 before your next inhale.

5. Repeat for several rounds, letting each round bring you more focus.

   
   

Box Breathing can be done anywhere, anytime you need a mental reset. It’s brilliant for students in class and out in the “real world” too.

4. 4-7-8 Breath 💤

Designed to help you relax and unwind, 4-7-8 Breath is amazing for calming the nervous system. With its extended exhale, it’s especially useful before bed or whenever you need a moment to let go.

How to do it:

1. Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4.

2. Hold your breath for a count of 7.

3. Exhale slowly and fully through your mouth for a count of 8, making a soft “whoosh” sound.

4. Repeat this cycle 3 or 4 times, letting the rhythm of the breath ease away any tension.

   
   

This technique is wonderfully soothing, perfect for moments when you’re feeling tense or restless.

5. Lions Breath (Simhasana) 🦁

If you’re in need of a little release, Lions Breath might just be for you! This fun and energising breath is a fantastic way to let go of any stress or frustration—just be prepared to feel a bit silly. 😉

How to do it:

1. Sit comfortably with your spine tall, placing your hands on your knees.

2. Take a deep inhale through your nose.

3. Open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue as far as you can, and exhale forcefully with a “haaa” sound.

4. Repeat this 3-5 times, letting any tension melt away.

   
   

Lions Breath is not only a great tension-reliever, but it’s also a brilliant reminder not to take ourselves too seriously. It’s fun to incorporate into a practice every now and then!

Final Thoughts 💭

Breathing techniques are such a gift. They’re tools we can use whenever we need a bit of grounding, focus, or calm. While Box Breathing has been a staple in my classes, I’m excited to bring in some of these other techniques to help deepen my students’ practice and connection to themselves.

All my classes include at least one breathing technique, so if you’re interested in giving these a try, feel free to book one of my online classes. My upcoming new series is all about exploring emotions, with each class featuring a different breathing technique tailored to match a specific emotion. I’d love for you to join and see how the power of breath can support you too. 🧘‍♀️✨