Unfortunately, we often only learn about the power of breath when we run out of it. Here are 3 simple breathing exercises that will improve your well-being and breathing capacity.
The first exercise is really simple. You can do it either sitting or lying down. Put your hands on your belly near your diaphragm and take a deep breath in through your nose, hold the air for 3 seconds and let it out slowly through your mouth as if you were blowing out a candle. Do this exercise in 2 series of 15 repetitions.
Sit comfortably on a chair or bed. Straighten your back and do not slouch. Join your legs together. Raise your straightened hands above your head while inhaling through your mouth. Keep them up for about 2 seconds and slowly lower them while exhaling freely with your mouth. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
For the next exercise you will need a book of considerable size (preferably a dictionary or encyclopedia). Lie down on your back. Bend your legs at the knees. Place the book on your diaphragm, below your sternum. Take a deep breath in through your nose so that the book rises, then let the air out through your mouth. Do 2 sets of 6 repetitions.
