Nadi Shodhana, or Alternate Nostril breathing is a simple yet powerful breathing technique that helps keep the mind calm, happy and peaceful by just practicing it for a few minute.  It balances both hemispheres of the brain and helps clear out blocked energy channels in the body, which in turn calms the mind.  You can use it to quiet your mind before a meditation practice, and is very helpful to ease racing thoughts if you are experiencing anxiety, stress, or having trouble falling asleep.  It also helps release accumulated tension and fatigue.

This breathing technique is also known as Anulom Vilom pranayama.