Happiness matters

Don't worry, be happy. This sounds like a simple phrase, but there is great wisdom in it.

Tension blocks our thinking, narrows our options and limits us. Being happy increases our creativity and problem-solving skills.

Don't worry, be happy

Don't worry, be happy tells us to focus on what we want rather than what we don't want.

One who is contented will always be happy.

Can yoga create happiness?

Each style in yoga helps the practitioner find happiness and prosperity. Every technique in yoga – asanas, pranayama, dharana, dhyan – helps in bringing happiness from within.

Rhythms of breathing

Adopt the simple fourfold rhythm of breathing. This cycle comprises four different phases:

1. Inhalation phase: Breathing in

2. Full retention: Body filled with as much air as possible; this phase comes after inhalation and before exhalation

3. Exhalation: Breathing out

4. Full empty: Blowing the entire air out of the body. This phase comes after exhalation and before next inhalation.

Feel fresh and energetic

The fourfold rhythm of breathing is both calming and energising.

It helps take in more oxygen and remove more carbon monoxide, thus improving brain activity and the release of natural feel-good brain chemicals.

One feels fresher and more focused to face the challenges of life.