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We're constantly exposed to all kinds of sights, sounds and emotions that send our nervous system into overdrive. But this can cause long periods of heightened blood pressure, adrenaline production and heart rate – all of which are linked to heart disease. Breathing better can squash high blood pressure and elevated heart rate by activating that same relaxation response via your parasympathetic nervous system.

Alternate Nostril Breathing is a technique that lowers your pulse rate and diastolic blood pressure according to a study at Nepal Medical College. David Magone, founder of the breath-oriented PranaVayu yoga practice explains: Sit cross-legged and close your eyes. Use the thumb of our right hand to block your right nostril, and inhale deeply through the left for about six seconds. Now cover your left nostril with the fourth finger of your right hand, release your right nostril, and exhale slowly for six seconds. Then block your left nostril, inhale through your right side for six seconds, cover your right nostril, release and exhale through your left for six seconds. Repeat the entire sequence for at least two minutes.