World Mental Health Day 2025:
- Halima Heath
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
Breathe Better, Feel Better with Alternate Nostril Breathing 🌬️💆♀️
Every year on October 10th, we come together worldwide to celebrate World Mental Health Day. This special day reminds us all about the importance of mental wellbeing and how we can support ourselves and each other to live healthier, happier lives.
The theme for 2025 is "Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies." It highlights how vital it is to protect our mental health, especially during stressful or challenging times. 💙🧠
As a clinical hypnotherapist, RTT therapist, and Mental Welfare coach, I want to share a simple, powerful technique that you can do anywhere, anytime to help calm your mind, reduce stress, and bring balance back into your body — alternate nostril breathing. 🌿✨
What Is Alternate Nostril Breathing? 🌬️👃
Alternate nostril breathing, also called Anulom Vilom or Nadi Shodhana, is a gentle yogic breathing exercise where you breathe through one nostril at a time while closing the other. This practice helps calm your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and improve focus. It’s a natural, drug-free way to manage stress and bring mental clarity. 🌟
Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing for Mental Health 🧘♂️💖
Reduces stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system 😌
Balances the left and right brain hemispheres, improving concentration and clarity 🧠
Helps regulate emotions and manage overwhelming feelings 🌈
Supports better sleep and relaxation 😴
Can complement therapies for addiction, trauma, and emotional balance 🤝
🔬 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲:
Regular practice has been shown to calm the nervous system, lower stress hormones like cortisol, balance brain hemispheres, and boost heart health. This ancient yogic technique helps you regain focus, reduce anxiety, and foster inner peace, supporting your mental health on a deep level.
How to Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing — Easy Steps 🚶♀️👇
Get Comfortable 🪑
Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight. You can sit cross-legged or in a chair with feet flat on the floor.
Prepare Your Hand 🤚
Use your right hand: fold your index and middle fingers toward your palm. Use your thumb to close your right nostril and your ring finger to close your left nostril.
Close Right Nostril and Inhale 👃⬅️
Close your right nostril with your thumb and slowly inhale deeply through your left nostril.
Close Left Nostril and Exhale 👃➡️
Close your left nostril with your ring finger, release your thumb, and exhale slowly through the right nostril.
Inhale Right Nostril 👃➡️
Inhale slowly through the right nostril.
Close Right Nostril and Exhale Left Nostril 👃⬅️
Close your right nostril, release left nostril, and exhale slowly through the left nostril.
Repeat for 5 Minutes ⏳
Continue this pattern for 5 minutes or longer. Keep your breath slow, deep, and smooth.
Why Try This Today? 🌟💚
On World Mental Health Day and every day, taking a moment to center yourself with alternate nostril breathing can make a big difference. It’s a simple, effective way to reduce stress, clear your mind, and strengthen your mental wellbeing. As a mental welfare coach and therapist, I often recommend this practice to help find peace amidst life’s challenges. 🌻
Remember, mental health is a journey, and every positive step counts. Give yourself the gift of calm today by simply breathing mindfully. 🌬️🙏
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