Just as you exercise the rest of your body, you also need to add workout of lungs to your life. While strenuous physical activity in itself is beneficial for the lungs, however, you still need targeted breathing exercises to help your lungs perform better.

Benefits of breathing exercises

Clean air: When you do breathing exercises, you help the body in getting rid of the stale air, and cleaning the lungs off of it. You then breathe in a gust of fresh air, ideally with good oxygen levels.

Better immunity: These exercises are also good for boosting immunity, as not only is the body better able to get rid of the carbon dioxide, but it absorbs more oxygen, which then allows your body to function better.

Stronger lungs: Doing breathing exercises also helps in making the lungs stronger, and in increasing their capacity, so you have to make lesser visits to the Best Pulmonologist in Lahore, as your lungs are working in top-notch condition.

Improved sleep: With better breathing also comes better sleep, as the body becomes more relaxed.

Mental health: You do feel your heart racing when you are stressed and anxious, and the palpitations can be anything but fun. When you practice breathing exercises, you then moderate breathing and recover the body from stress. Moreover, these exercises also play a vital role in relaxing the body.

Good for detox: Your body might be riddled with toxins, and deep breathing might then enable the body to fight them better.

Helps the cardiovascular system: Breathing exercises are helpful for strengthening the cardiovascular system. It also helps in regulating blood pressure as well.

May help your sinuses: Some breathing exercises can help in dislodging the mucus that otherwise clogged your sinuses, and thus offers relief at that end as well.

Breathing exercises to try

Pursed lips breathing

The purpose of this breathing exercise is to slow your breathing down, so your airways remain open for longer. This then allows for a more effective loading of oxygen and unloading of carbon dioxide.

To do this rather simple exercise, simply inhale slowly via your nose. Then, purse your lips, as if you are pouting for a selfie, and then breathe out even slower though your pursed lips. Your exhalation time should take twice as much time as it took you to inhale.

Yawn to smile

This type of breathing exercise not only focuses on improving your lungs, but also helps in increasing muscle coordination as well.

To do this, sit or stand with your arms by your side. Then, inhale and open your mouth wide, as if you are yawning, and at the same time, raise your arms overhead, stretching them. The movement of the arms allows the chest to open, thus giving your diaphragm more room to open to. Exhale as you bring your arms down.

Belly breathing

Also known as diaphragmatic breathing, this exercise is great for expanding the lung capacity, as it aids in improving the rate of contraction and relaxation of the lungs.

To do this exercise, first, rest a light object or your hand on your stomach. Then, breathe in through your nose. Make sure to take a slow and deep breath. Notice through the object or hand on your stomach as to how far it expands. Then, exhale, albeit through the mouth. Your exhale needs to be longer than your inhale. 

Now, take another breath, but this time try to outdo your previous breath by making your stomach move farther than it did in the previous attempt. Continue with this breathing for five to ten minutes. You can also move your head and shoulders during the exercise to prevent tension in your body.

Diaphragmatic breathing is especially good for those suffering from COPD. So, alongside continuing your treatment regimen crafted by the Best Pulmonologist in Karachi, do the breathing exercise as well.