Breathing Exercises | Breathing Exercises That Relax You Immediately

Breathing exercise is a great way to calm the body and mind and help relieve stress, anxiety and breathing exercises can make your lungs more efficient.

Here are some Breathing Exercises for Stress Relief.

Deep breathing:- Deep breathing is a good way to relax. We don’t always remember to breathe deeply. Most adults breathe from the chest, which is known as shallow breathing. When you breathe deeply, your body takes in more oxygen. You exhale more carbon dioxide. Your body naturally “resets” itself to a more relaxed and calm state.

Deep breathing can be useful for anyone who has stress. You can practice deep breathing during your workday when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. And you can choose to take a couple minutes and breathe deeply each day, or just use it when you need it.

Equal Breathing:- Find a comfortable position and close your eyes and take notice of the rhythm of your natural breath. Once you are completely at ease, inhale slowly to a count of four and then exhale to a count of four. The purpose of this breathing technique is to match the inhale count with the exhale count. It is fine to play with the count as long as the inhale and exhale are equal. Continue breathing for several minutes.

Abdominal Breathing:- When you are in a comfortable seated or lying position, place one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen. The aim of this breath is to inflate your diaphragm and not your chest. Take a deep breath in through the nose to the count of four, hold for two counts and then exhale to the count of six. Continue this cycle for ten minutes each day.

Alternate Nostril Breathing:- Sit comfortably with good posture ensuring the shoulders are relaxed. Place your left hand on the knee with the palm facing up, take the right index finger and place it on the left nostril and the right thumb on the right nostril. The index finger will be used to close the left nostril, and the right thumb will be used to close the right nostril.

Press your thumb on the right nostril while gently exhaling through the left nostril. At the conclusion of the exhalation, breathe in through the left nostril and then press the left nostril closed while removing the right thumb opening up the right nostril.

Breathe out through the right nostril and then inhale, alternating to the left side again. Continue many rounds of breathing, alternately between the left and right nostrils.

Cooling Breath:- This breath helps to reduce body temperature, which is beneficial when trying to relax. Begin in a comfortable seated position. Start by rolling the tongue and breathing in through the tongue to cool the breath. Continue the breath for five minutes.

Bellows Breath:- Find a comfortable sitting position. With proper posture and relaxed muscles, close the right nostril with your right thumb. Your right elbow should be at the same level of the right shoulder. Close your eyes and inhale and exhale through the left nostril. Start slowly, then increase the pace, mimicking bellows. Do this 15 – 20 times and then release the right nostril. Take a long deep breath and retain it for as long as possible and then slowly exhale. Repeat on the right side.

Breathing exercises and light physical activity can help with breathing difficulties. Practice Breathing exercises for about 5 to 10 minutes every day.

Always consult your doctor or health practitioner before starting any type of Breathing exercise program.