Air pollution is a major problem these days. It has huge consequences on our health. To keep ourselves healthy and fit, and to deal with various consequences of air pollution like lung problems, one needs to practise breathing exercises for at least half an hour a day. (Image: Pexels)
Here’s a detailed look at a few effective breathing exercises to keep our lungs healthy. (Image: Pexels)
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Sit comfortably with your knees bent. Place one hand on your chest. Place the other hand on your abdomen. Inhale deeply through your nose. This allows your belly to expand. Follow through, and slowly exhale through your mouth. You will feel your abdominal area relax. Repeat this several times. (Image: Pexels)
Pursed-lip Breathing: Inhale through the nose for 2 seconds. Follow with a 4-second exhale through the mouth. This technique helps regulate your breathing and keeps your airways open for longer periods of time. (Image: Pexels)
Alternate Nostril Breathing: Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Use your right thumb to close your right nostril. Now inhale deeply through your left nostril. Continue by closing your left nostril with your right ring finger and releasing your right nostril. Inhale and exhale through your right nostril. Repeat this exercise for several cycles. (Image: Pexels)
Chest Breathing: This exercise can be done while sitting or standing comfortably. Inhale deeply through the nose. This allows your chest to expand. Continue to exhale through your mouth. Focus on expanding your chest as you inhale deeply. (Image: Pexels)
Lion’s Roar Breathing Exercise: Kneel or sit comfortably. Inhale deeply through your nose. Now release the breath through your mouth. Then stick out your tongue and roar like a lion. This exercise helps reduce the pressure in the chest and throat area. (Image: Pexels)