This week, as my teenager was going through the process of choosing subjects for the National exams, I found myself going down a rabbit hole. Reflecting on how AI might shape their future and professional journey, I was reading articles, listening to podcasts and trying to make sense of what lies ahead. It is fascinating and at the same time, a little intimidating.
As humans, we are creating intelligent systems that can learn and respond faster than we ever could and that may one day understand us better than we understand ourselves. We are shaping a world where babies may interact more with AI than with real people as they begin life. That thought alone feels unsettling.
Recently, someone mentioned that they were downloading exercise plans from ChatGPT and joked that coaches and healers might soon be obsolete. I laughed, but it made me think. Yes, ChatGPT can create plans and daily schedules but can it sit beside you when motivation drops? Can it sense when your nervous system is overwhelmed or when your body needs gentleness rather than discipline?
Its also important to note that AI has incredible potential in healthcare. It can help detect diseases earlier and support doctors in making more accurate decisions. In many ways, it can improve efficiency but even with all this progress, AI cannot replace the human experience of healing. It cannot feel what’s happening in your body, cannot regulate your nervous system or create the inner shift that comes from awareness and practice.
All this thinking sent me into mild overwhelm. So I did what I have always done when my mind feels full and noisy. I took some deep breaths and practiced pranayama.
Pranayama, the ancient practice of conscious breathing and one of the eight limbs of yoga, reminds us of something deeply important. No matter how advanced technology becomes, self-regulation is still a human skill. Calming yourself, settling your nervous system and coming back to your centre is something only you can do.
Three Pranayama Practices to Return to Calm
Yogic Breathing (Belly Breathing)
- Inhale slowly, filling your belly first, then your chest and finally your upper lungs.
- Exhale fully in reverse order. Repeat for 5 to 10 rounds.
- This breath gently regulates your nervous system, guiding it into rest and digest mode.
- Can be done lying down, sitting, standing, or even while walking.
Samvritti Pranayama (Box Breathing)
- Sama means equal so this technique uses a set length of equal inhalations, exhalations and breath retentions.
- Inhale through the nose for a count of four.
- Hold for four. Exhale for four. Hold again for four.
- Continue for a few rounds.
- This brings balance when you feel scattered or overstimulated.
Bhramari (Bee Breath)
- Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and as you exhale, make a soft humming sound like a bee.
- Feel the vibration in your head and chest.
- This practice soothes the nervous system almost instantly and is a wonderful one to do before sleep.
- Gentle reminder- avoid this one if someone is sleeping next to you. 😅
Before You Practise Pranayama
- Sit upright with a straight spine. You can sit cross-legged on the floor, on a cushion or on a chair with feet flat. Comfort and stability are key.
- Begin slowly. Start with a few rounds and gradually increase as your lung capacity improves.
- Keep your eyes closed or softly focused.
- Never force your breath. If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, stop and return to normal breathing.
- Regular short practices are more beneficial than occasional long sessions. Even 5 minutes daily can make a big difference.
AI and digital tools are remarkable. They can simplify many aspects of life, improve healthcare and support us in countless ways but the journey to wellbeing is deeply personal. It lives in your willingness to pause and tune in.
If you would like to explore 1-1 yoga sessions in a supportive way, you can book a free discovery session here.
Take care of yourself today and the future will take care of itself.