Actress and fitness influencer Shilpa Shetty recites a verse from the Bhagavad Gita aloud every time she practices yoga to keep her mind healthy. Sharing a video of her practicing yoga on International Yoga Day, Shilpa said, “The verse ‘Bandhur atmātmanas tasya yenatmaivātmanā jitaḥ, anātmanastu śatrutve vartetātmaiva śatruvat’ means, ‘To him who conquers his mind it becomes his best friend, to him who does not it becomes his greatest enemy.’ I recite this aloud to remind myself that my mind is in my control and I am not controlled by my mind.” Shilpa, who regularly posts videos showcasing various yoga poses, also spoke about the importance of breathing. “All emotions are connected to breath. If you consciously change your breath and its rhythm, you can change your emotions too. On this Yoga Day, cherish every breath,” the actress said.
How do breathing and mental health relate?
According to yoga, there is an inevitable link between breath and mental health. This is because a person’s breath reflects the state of mind and controlling it helps to maintain a calm state of mind. Techniques such as Pranayama, or breath control, are often used to reduce stress, balance emotions and manage anxiety. Breathing is synchronized with various yoga poses, ensuring a deep connection between the mind and the body. Sama Vritti or Equal Breathing, Nadi Shodhana or Internostril Breathing, Bhramari Pranayama or Humming Bee Breath, Shitali Pranayama or Cooling Breathing, Kapalabhati or Skull Shining Breathing are some of the yoga techniques that help practitioners promote good health and calm the mind. To master these techniques properly, they should be practiced under the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor.
