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How to handle anxiety at work? Today, Melvyn asks: — "Any quick tricks to calm my nerves when I start feeling anxious?” — Welcome to Episode 199 of AskMatty! Here’s my answer, Melvyn: — Ever tried Alternate Nostril Breathing? Or, if you prefer the Indian name, “Nadi Shodhana”? It’s a simple breathing technique used in yoga and meditation. It’s gonna help you calm your mind when you feel anxious. Let’s see how to give it a try. 1. To start, sit in a comfy spot. If you’re on the floor, cross your legs. If you’re in a chair, keep your feet flat on the ground. Just make sure your spine is straight but relaxed. 2. Now, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Just to relax your body and mind. 3. Now, rest your left hand on your left knee, palm facing up. And bring your right hand to your nose. Use: → Your right thumb to close your right nostril → Your right ring finger to close your left nostril 4. Alright, now we can start the first breath cycle. Close your right nostril with your right thumb. Inhale deeply through your left nostril. Count to 4 as you breathe in. 5. Now, use your right ring finger to close your left nostril while releasing the right nostril. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. 6. Now, release your right nostril and exhale completely through it. Count to 4 as you breathe out. 7. Now, keeping your right nostril open, inhale through it. Count to 4 as you breathe in. 8. Now, close your right nostril with your right thumb. Hold your breath for 4 seconds, keeping your left nostril closed. 9. Now, release your left nostril and exhale completely through it. Count to 4 as you breathe out. 10. Great! You’ve completed a breath cycle. Now, repeat it for a few more cycles (from step 4 to step 9). After a few practices, aim to do it for 5-10 minutes without stopping. That’s it. Oh, just one more thing. As you practice, remember these 3 things: → Focus your attention on the flow of your breath → Try to make your inhalations and exhalations smooth and steady → After ending the practice, take a minute to stay in silence with yourself Just to feel the changes in your body, breath, and mind. You know, that’s all our mind needs when we feel anxious: → Our presence — Alright! Thanks for your question, Melvyn. Question of the day: → Ever tried Alternate Nostril Breathing? Let me know in the comments :) “Let’s build a world where everyone belongs through the power of wellbeing!” – Matty