This is one of those breathing meditation techniques that is very good at helping you relax and become centered.

A certain amount of tension is good before a challenge such as an interview or an exam. You want to be fully alert and attentive to each and every question. However, being too tense has the strange effect of making your mind wander. If you are very stressed out, you will find it difficult to focus. Your mind will drift off and you may even lose the thread of a conversation - not very impressive! You can use this very simple meditation technique to gain or control your composure.

When you need to calm down quickly, try some yogic breathing. In the yogic tradition, controlled breathing is known as ‘pranayama’ and it is always practiced before meditation. Inhaling pulls in prana, the life force, and exhaling gets rid of negative energy.

Sweet Breath

This exercise is worth having in your arsenal of handy meditation techniques. Ten rounds of this should calm you completely. Count to four for each step in the cycle.

• With your left hand, put your thumb over your left nostril, fold your first two fingers into your palm.
• Put your ring finger on your right nostril.
• Close your left nostril with your thumb and inhale through your right nostril.
• Close your right nostril and exhale through your left. Inhale through your left.
• Close your left nostril and exhale through your right.

Left And Right

A clear left side shows that your right brain (creative thinking) is flowing well; a clear right side shows the left brain (logical thinking) is working well.