As the Diwali season approaches, the air is often filled with festive lights, happiness – and unfortunately, pollution. Increased levels of smoke and dust can affect breathing and overall respiratory health. However, you don’t need hours of workouts to protect your lungs. Just 10 minutes of yoga a day can make a powerful difference!
Yoga not only strengthens your lungs but also improves immunity, helps you take deep breaths and keeps your energy levels high during the entire festival.
Here’s how and which asanas can help you breathe better this Diwali season.
Add Zee News as favorite source
1. Why does lung health matter during Diwali?
Increase in air pollution and smoke from firecrackers during Diwali often causes cough, throat irritation and shortness of breath.
Your lungs work harder than usual, making it important to strengthen them naturally. Yoga increases lung capacity, improves oxygen flow, and cleanses toxins from your body – helping you stay active and calm during the festivities.
2. 10 Minute Yoga Exercise for Strong Lungs
You can easily practice these yoga postures and breathing techniques for 10 minutes every morning or evening.
a) Anulom-Vilom (Alternate breathing through nose) – 2 minutes
Sit straight, close your right nostril with your thumb and take a deep breath through your left nostril.
Close your left nostril and exhale through the right.
Repeat this one by one.
benefits: Balances breathing, detoxifies lungs and improves oxygen flow.
B) Kapalbhati (Skull Flashing Breath) – 2 minutes
Sit in a cross-legged position. Take a deep breath and exhale forcefully through your nose while contracting your abdomen.
Do 20-30 strokes, then rest.
Benefits: Clears nasal passages, removes toxins, and strengthens the lungs naturally.
c) Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) – 2 minutes
Lie on your stomach, place your palms near your chest and inhale as you lift your upper body.
Hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly.
benefits: Opens the chest muscles and improves lung elasticity.
d) Matsyasana (Fish Pose) – 2 minutes
Lie on your back, slide your hands under your hips, lift your chest and tilt your head back.
benefits: Expands the lungs, increases oxygen intake and relieves respiratory tension.
e) Deep breathing and relaxation – 2 minutes
Sit quietly, close your eyes and take long, slow breaths.
Focus on taking in positivity and taking out toxins.
benefits: Relieves stress, improves focus and calms your nervous system.
3. Additional tips to keep lungs healthy during Diwali
Avoid or limit exposure to smoke and firecrackers.
Keep windows closed during peak pollution times.
Use a steam inhaler or diffuser with eucalyptus oil for easier breathing.
Stay hydrated and include antioxidant-rich foods like basil, turmeric and ginger.
4. Why yoga works so well
Yoga strengthens the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, increasing your lungs’ ability to efficiently hold and use oxygen. Regular practice improves blood circulation, detoxifies the respiratory system and builds long-term immunity.
Even if you can spare just 10 minutes a day, consistent yoga practice can help you feel light, calm and healthy – even during the pollution-heavy Diwali season.
This Diwali, while you enjoy sweets, lights and laughter, don’t forget to take care of your lungs – the silent power of your body. Just a few minutes of yoga daily can help you breathe deeply, live a healthy life and glow naturally from within.
(This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you have about any medical condition.)