Every time actress-fitness influencer Shilpa Shetty practises yoga, she says a Bhagavad Gita verse out loud, to ensure mental health. Sharing a video of her practising on the International Day of Yoga, Shilpa said, "The verse 'Bandhur atmātmanas tasya yenatmaivātmanā jitaḥ, anātmanastu śatrutve vartetātmaiva śatruvat,' means 'those who have conquered their minds have it as their best friend, and for others, their greatest enemy.' I say this out aloud to remind myself that my mind is in my control, and I'm not controlled by my mind." Shilpa, who regularly posts videos of her demonstrating various yoga poses, also mentioned about the importance of breath. "Every emotion is connected with the breath. If you change the breath and its rhythm with awareness, you can change the emotion. This Yoga Day, let's make every breath count," said the actress.
How is breath and mental health connected?
According to yoga, there is an inevitable connection between breath and mental health. This is because a person's breath reflects their state of mind and having it under control can go a long way in retaining a calm state of mind. Techniques like pranayama aka breath control are often employed to reduce stress, ensure emotional balance and manage anxiety. Breath is also synchronised with various yoga poses, which ensures a deep mind-body connection. Sama vritti or equal breathing technique, nadi shodhana or nostril breathing, bhramari pranayama aka humming bee breath, shitali pranayama or cooling breath and kapalabathi or skull shining breath are a few of the techniques in yoga that help a practitioner promote well being and calm their mind. They should be practised under a qualified yoga instructor to ensure that you get the techniques right.
