If you find yourself short of breath, it may not be your lung health, the air surrounding you or your physical fitness level. It might just be poor posture. The way you sit affects the movement, positioning and expansion of your lungs, making it easier or more difficult for you to breathe depending on how effective your posture is. Learning proper posture can help you avoid shortness of breath and discomfort when breathing.
Step 1
Sit straight up in your chair with your back straight and your chin parallel to the floor. Make sure your spine is properly aligned so that your upper back is flush with the chair back and your lower back is away from the chair back by a few inches.
Step 2
Place your hands in your lap with your feet flat on the floor. Focus on relaxing all the muscles in your body, especially the ones in your back, chest and stomach.
Step 3
Inhale, focusing on feeling the air enter your lungs slowly. Feel your rib cage expand and maintain proper posture as you breathe in. Allow your upper body to lift up slightly as your lungs fill with air.
Step 4
Breathe out slowly, relaxing your rib cage and allowing the air to escape naturally rather than blowing it out. Keep your hands on your lap and your back straight and allow your body to lower back down as your lungs release air and contract.
