Breathing Exercises Improve Happiness in Polluted Indian Cities

• Breathing exercises can enhance happiness and well-being, especially in polluted urban environments, by mitigating the negative effects of poor air quality.
• India faces a "happiness paradox": high reported surface happiness (88%) but lower deeper joy, influenced by factors like pollution, social media, and relationship challenges.
• Air pollution acts as a "happiness thief," causing respiratory issues, anxiety, fatigue, and eroding mental clarity, contributing to millions of premature deaths globally.
• Science-backed breathwork strengthens airway defenses, reduces inflammation, improves oxygen efficiency, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress and boosting mood.
• The "India Breathe Again" initiative by Akshar Yoga Kendraa promotes collective conscious breathing practices to enhance lung capacity and overall well-being.

Why It Matters: Breathing exercises offer a vital tool for well-being amidst urban pollution.