A few breathing exercises for optimum lung functioning

Do this few times a day and you will see improvement

These tiring times and stress have a great effect on the human mind and body, especially on breathing. As we stress more the breathing becomes difficult and as we age the capacity of our lungs to hold air typically decreases slowly. These lungs are responsible for allowing the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which is essential for the functioning of the body. So while the pollution and various deadly viruses are here to affect the lungs, below are a few exercises that will help increase your lung capacity and help make breathing healthy.

Pursed lip breathing
This breathing technique helps in slowing down the pace of breathing. You can practice this especially while bending, lifting, or stair climbing. To begin with, relax your neck and shoulders. Keep your mouth closed and inhale slowly through your nose till the count of two. Then purse your lips as though you were going to whistle. And slowly exhale by blowing the air through that space on the lips till the count of four. Do this four to five times a day. Practice pursed-lip breathing for about five to 10 minutes every day for increased lung functioning.

Humming sound
Inhalation and exhalation creates a low-toned hum. Try to hum at the same pace till you remove all air from your lungs and activate the abdominal. The vibration stimulates the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Belly breathing
This exercise helps improve the rate at which the lungs expand and contract. This also specifically focuses on strengthening the diaphragm muscle, which is responsible for one to be able to take deep breaths. All you need to do is, rest a hand on the stomach and breathe in slowly through the nose. Here notice how far the stomach rises and then breathe out through the mouth. And every time try to get the stomach to rise higher than the previous breath. Practice belly breathing for about five to 10 minutes every day for increased lung functioning. You can also roll your shoulders forward, backward and also move the head to ensure that the exercise is not contributing to tension in your upper body.

Lion’s breathing
It is a yoga asana, known as simhasana, is said to relieve tension in your chest and face. Get in a comfortable seated position either by sitting on your heels or cross-legged. Then press your palms against your knees with your fingers spread wide apart. Now inhale deeply through your nose, open your eyes wide and then stick out your tongue out bringing the tip down toward your chin. When exhaling out through your mouth make a long ‘ha’ sound. Repeat this breathing two to three times.