Pranayama is an ancient Sanskrit word which simply put means “breath control”. By breathing properly, not only can one calm the mind, reduce anxiety and panic attacks but according to the ancestors, they can also extend their ‘prana’ or ‘life force’. That’s not all that it can do, however. Breathing exercises can also help you have better sex. Yep, you read that right.

One of the most important aspects of Yoga is also the most simple ( at least, it may appear so). While many people believe Yoga to be some sort of stretching Olympics, what many don’t know is that an act as simple as Pranayama is also part of the yogic discipline.

If you’ve ever been stressed out and are not a virgin, you’d have noticed that your performance in bed is negatively affected when you’re under severe stress – you either orgasm too soon or don’t orgasm at all. Breathing fully and completely, letting go of all the stale air in your system can help you have better sex.

First things first – are you even breathing in the right manner? Sit down in a quiet place, close your eyes and place the palm of your left hand a little above your navel. Now, take a deep breath. Do you feel your stomach expanding i.e. rising outward? If the answer is yes, congratulations, you are doing just fine. However, if you notice your stomach contracting while breathing in, then you’re not doing it correctly.

Always try to take some time off from your daily schedules to breathe deeply and fully. Expand your lungs, feel the air going through them and exhale out all the stress and negativity. Doing this simple exercise every day for about seven counts will help you relieve stress considerably. If you have time on your hands, you can also try this: take a deep breath, hold it in for a count of two and then exhale completely.