5 Breathing Exercises to Strengthen Lungs & Reduce Anxiety
Breathing exercises can not only strengthen your lungs but also reduce anxiety. Worrying about disease brings about stress which consequently lowers your immune system, so doing various breathing exercises provides a double whammy - giving your lung muscles a workout and bringing much needed oxygen to your body and brain. This - coupled with slow exhaling breathing which stimulates the vagus nerve sending messages to the brain - then quietens your mind against the constant brain chatter of negativity and panic.
So here’s a round up of our favourite lung-boosting breathing exercises which will also help you battle stress and anxiety.
So are you ready for the breathing exercises? Then take a deep breath in….
1. Wim Hof Breathing Technique
Wim Hof is a Dutch athlete also known as “The Iceman” for his extraordinary ability to survive sub-zero temperatures due to his specially formulated breathing exercises. He is the absolute master of beating stress and anxiety and boosting the immunity.
2. Ujjayi Breathing
Here’s a yogic breathing exercise called Ujjayi breathing which has an amazingly calming affect while strengthening your lungs and diaphragm.
3. The Active Cycle Technique
This technique is a great way of not only strengthening your lungs but also getting phlegm from your chest which is useful for long-Covid sufferers. Here’s a video from the nurses at Plymouth Hospital.
4. Alternate nostril breathing
This is a another yogic technique which not only helps strengthen your respiratory system but also helps you clear your sinuses so you’re able to get more air into your lungs.
5. Bear Heart Breathing
Here’s a great breathing exercise from the late native American shaman Bear Heart. He did this breathing exercise every day and lived a very chilled and healthy life.
An extra exercise for those who like something alternative
Chanting is great because it regulates the breathing but also stops negative thoughts from entering so easily because your mind is focused on purely saying a phrase. This chant is the most famous of all - it’s the ‘Om’ chant. It symbolises the sound of the universe and is immensely calming and soothing.
So if you know any other good breathing exercises, please let us know as we’re always looking to expand our repertoire as well as our lungs! For more techniques on how to cope with anxiety, take a look at our free online mental health resources below.
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