Many breathing exercises noted by online health and activity-based websites reportedly aid the body in different circumstances, including fighting depression, increasing lung capacity for singing, building endurance for free diving or simply relaxing. Most techniques focus on training your body to breathe deeply to maximize the oxygen taken in by your lungs.
Abdominal Breathing
A technique called abdominal, or diaphragmatic breathing, helps take your mind off upsetting thoughts or refocuses you when you're feeling pain, according to the American Medical Student Association's website. All About Depression.com also notes the technique aids in fighting depression. To begin this exercise, place one hand on your chest and one on your abdominal area. Inhale deeply so the hand on the abdomen rises above the hand on your chest. Exhale through your mouth, then slowly and deeply inhale through your nose, sustaining the period of inhalation for seven seconds. Then exhale, sustaining the release of air for eight seconds, contracting your stomach muscles while you do it. Repeat this cycle at least five times.
Breathing for Singing
Vocalist.org recommends breathing exercises to encourage the controlled breathing needed while singing. For one exercise, lie on your back and put your hands on either side of your waist. Point your fingers inward, toward your belly button. Take a slow deep breath until you feel a bit of pressure in your upper chest. Your stomach and hands should rise as you do this. Then slowly exhale, sustaining the release of air for at least five seconds. Repeat this exercise for about 10 repetitions.
Diving Exercises
Divers, especially those who free dive without breathing tanks, require increased lung capacity and endurance for long periods underwater. Diving website WetDawg.com recommends a steady regimen of sustained cardiovascular exercise -- including biking, swimming and stair climbing -- as such exercise encourages deep breathing. WetDawg also recommends holding your breath for as long as possible while walking to train the body to go without breathing during physical activity.
Bellows Breathing
One yoga-based breathing technique, called "bellows breathing," provides on oxygen energy boost, particularly after waking up in the morning, according to the American Medical Student Association. For this exercise, sit upright with your mouth gently closed. Breathe in and out of your nose as quickly as possible in short bursts of breath for about 15 seconds. Toward the end of the cycle, you should feel pressure from the effort in the base of your neck, abdomen and chest. The association warns not to exceed 15 seconds for this exercise -- especially as a beginner -- because of a hyperventilation risk.
