Videos
Instructions
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position with your spine straight.
- Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
- Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise while keeping your chest still.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose, letting your abdomen fall.
- Repeat for the desired duration, maintaining a calm and steady rhythm.
Technical Tips
- Keep your shoulders relaxed throughout the exercise.
- Focus on expanding your belly rather than your chest when inhaling.
- Perform the exercise in a quiet environment to enhance concentration.
Breathing Tips
- Inhale slowly through your nose for 4-5 seconds.
- Pause briefly at the top of the inhalation if comfortable.
- Exhale gently through your mouth or nose for 5-7 seconds.
Medical restrictions
- Severe respiratory conditions without medical supervision
- Acute anxiety or panic disorder episodes without guidance
- Recent abdominal surgery without physician approval
What is deep breathing and how do I do it correctly?
Deep breathing is a technique where you use your diaphragm to draw air deeply into your lungs, expanding your belly rather than your chest. To do it correctly, inhale slowly through your nose so your abdomen rises, then exhale gently through your mouth or nose as your abdomen falls.
How many minutes should I practice deep breathing each day?
Practising deep breathing for 5-10 minutes daily is sufficient to reduce stress and improve focus. You can increase this duration depending on your relaxation or mindfulness goals.
Can deep breathing help with anxiety and stress relief?
Yes, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping lower stress levels and reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and calmness.
Is deep breathing beneficial before workouts?
Deep breathing before workouts helps improve oxygenation, mental focus, and relaxation, which can enhance performance and reduce pre-training tension.
What is the difference between deep breathing and normal breathing?
Normal breathing is shallow and often uses the chest, while deep breathing engages the diaphragm, allowing more oxygen intake and promoting relaxation and efficient lung function.
Deep Breathing is a fundamental breathing exercise designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall respiratory efficiency. This technique involves consciously using the diaphragm to draw air deeply into the lungs, allowing for better oxygen exchange and calming of the nervous system. Practising deep breathing regularly can support mental clarity, enhance focus, and aid in lowering blood pressure by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. It is widely used in yoga, meditation, and recovery routines to foster a sense of calm and centeredness. Deep Breathing can be performed anywhere without equipment, making it a practical tool for managing daily stress or preparing the body for training sessions by promoting oxygenation. Its simplicity makes it accessible to beginners while offering advanced practitioners a foundation for integrating into mindfulness, mobility, and breathwork disciplines. Incorporating this exercise into daily routines can greatly improve well-being, sleep quality, and mental resilience by training controlled, efficient breathing patterns essential for health and performance.