How to Breathe

Healthy breathing can help you approach your work without anxiety.

Because breathing is so natural, we often don't think about the process of breathing. Learning how to breathe properly is vital to our health, wellness, physical activity and any other activity that requires focus. Breathing properly fills our body with an optimal amount of oxygen, which lets us get the most out of our workouts, helps us relieve stress and increases our concentration capacity. Proper breathing can be learned or improved with daily breathing exercises. Set aside 30 minutes everyday for light warm-up exercises and focused breathing to improve your health and wellness. Depending on your comfort level, you may prefer a quiet and/or private area to help you focus while breathing.

Things You'll Need

• Loose, breathable clothing

Instructions

1. 

   Warming up before breathing prepares your body for optimal oxygen intake.

   Put on your loose, breathable clothing and locate an area where you are comfortable exercising and breathing with your eyes closed. Loose and breathable clothing won't constrict you when you are warming up or focusing on breathing. It will also help you relax when performing your breathing exercises.

2. Warm up your body by doing light jogging and stretching. This can be done indoors or outdoors. Don't exercise vigorously, and only do so for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. 

   Standing while relaxed with bent knees will allow oxygen to flow freely through your body.

   Stand up straight, relax and close your eyes. Spread your legs shoulder distance apart and bend your knees slightly, so they're not locked. The proper stance feels solid but relaxed.

4. Inhale slowly through your nose and into your diaphragm. Your abdomen and lower rib cage will feel as if it is filling up like a balloon. Take seven seconds to inhale. This a full and relaxed breath that feels natural, not forced, when done correctly. Yet If it doesn't feel that way, it's OK. Different amounts of breathing practice are required for different people.

5. Exhale slowly through your mouth. The requires as much time as you took to inhale. Repeat steps three and four for 15 minutes. Concentrate on your relaxation. You will feel every breath through your entire body when you are breathing properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Healthy diet and regular exercise will help with proper breathing techniques.

• Never force air into your lungs.

References

• Organic Lifestyle Magazine: How To Breathe

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Optimal Breathing: Free Breathing Test