5 Types of Breathing Exercises
Breathing is something we do automatically. We hardly give it a thought. However, a few intentional breaths can change your mood, relax you, and even aid the body in healing. Yes, it really is that strong. Breathing exercises are very easy to understand, take only a few minutes, and require gaining only your breath. You do not even need any sophisticated equipment.
What’s a Breathing Exercise?
These are simple practices where you manipulate your breath for better health and wellness. This depresses the mind and reduces stress, enhances the ability of the lungs, and gives an overall soothing effect on the body. If you are feeling nervous, or you want to bore a hole in the wall due to frustration, or you just want a break from life, practising them can be incredibly beneficial.
Why Bother with Breathing?
Physical Benefits
- Lower blood pressure: Helps your blood vessels relax
- More energy: Oxygen fuels your body and brain
- Better immunity: Stress goes down, defence goes up
- Improved digestion: A calm gut is a happy gut
- Stronger lungs: Better oxygen flow and stronger breathing muscles
Mental & Emotional Benefits
- Emotional balance but with more control
- Better quality sleep
- Sharper focus and mental clarity
- Less anxiety and stress
5 Simple Breathing Techniques to Try
1. Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing
Inhale slowly through your nose for belly to expand, then exhale with mouth open. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Awesome for calming and grounding.
2. Box Breathing (Four-Square Breathing)
Perfect for staying centred and focused. Try repeating this exercise for best results. Exhale for 4 and hold for 4, then inhale for 4.
3. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
Eases anxiety while balancing energy. Inhale through the left nostril, and exhale from the right nostril. Repeat as necessary.
4. Pursed-Lip Breathing
A lifesaver for anyone trying to improve their breath control. Slowly exhale from pursed lips and inhale through nose. Exhaling through pursed lips is key.
5. Lion’s Breath (Simhasana)
Inhale deeply. While opening your mouth wide and sticking your tongue out, let out a loud “ha” when breathing out. It might seem funny, but it actually helps a lot with relieving stress.
A Deeper Connection
Breathing goes beyond just a movement. It’s a way to gain a higher level of consciousness. Because of this, techniques such as Spiritual Healing in India often begin with a form of breathwork. It connects the body, mind, and soul.