Repeated activity through work or school can be tiring. We all need a boost every now and then. Many people turn to caffeine; but there are natural ways to increase stamina and gain additional energy. Breathing exercises are a natural, healthy and inexpensive way to reinvigorate yourself when you are feeling fatigued. Start with a simple exercise, such as the "stimulating breath," also known as the "bellows technique."
Step 1
Sit with your spine straight in an upright position. Breathe in and out of your nose as quickly as possible for 15 seconds. Think of using a pump to inflate a tire. A pump, such as a bicycle pump, is also known as a "bellows"--thus, the name of this exercise.
Step 2
Assess how your neck, chest and abdomen feel. You should feel the muscles in these areas engage in the same way as you feel your muscles engage when you are exercising. You may not feel it right away, but you will start to feel it more in the coming days provided you do this exercise 3 or more times per week. Repeat two to three more times. This exercise can be done any time of day when you need a boost of energy, specifically in the morning when you wake up, before exercising or before engaging in any type of physical activity.
Step 3
Try the Corpse Pose Breathing Exercise if you are at home or in a place where you can lie down. Start by lying on your back with your palms face up. Inhale for 5 to 10 seconds, paying close attention to the rise and fall of your chest. Aim for smooth breaths as the air fills your lungs. Exhale for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat two to three more times.
Tips and Warnings
- As you continue to do this exercise over time, you will experience a plateau in terms of how energized you feel. Challenge yourself by increasing the duration of breathing by 5 seconds up to a maximum of 1 minute for optimum benefit.
- Initially, you should practice this exercise in a safe place because there is a risk of hyperventilating due to the increase in airflow to the brain. If you ever feel light-headed or uncomfortable while practicing the technique, discontinue it.
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