When you decide to quit smoking, it can be a liberating feeling. However, dealing with the effects that smoking has had on your body isn't quite as pleasant. Even so, practicing your breathing exercises can help to give you back your lung function and help you deal with nicotine cravings and poor mood that often accompanies quitting.
Deep Breathing
One way to get used to not smoking is to practice deep breathing. This practice requires that you first notice your breath. While sitting in a quiet place, sit tall and breathe in deeply. Pay attention to how the air fills your lungs and your stomach expands. Notice how you must push the air from your lungs as you exhale. Continue this breathing slowly and deeply. Make it a part of your daily routine and practice breathing whenever you feel stressed.
Holding Your Breath
Another exercise you can do to make the aftermath of quitting smoking easier is to hold your breath. This can be done as a part of your deep breathing exercises. To start, inhale and exhale to a count of 6. Maintain a steady and even rhythm. Once you're ready, after an inhale, hold your breath when your lungs are their fullest. Hold for a count of 3, then exhale. Pause for another count of 3 before inhaling again.
Pranayama
Pranayama is a yoga exercise that uses the elements of deep breathing and breath retaining and combines them. The idea is to learn how to control and expand your breath. This can increase your lung capacity and allow you to take deeper, fuller breaths that will make you feel better after quitting smoking. You can perform pranayama anywhere at any time you need to collect your thoughts and just focus on your breath.
Brahmari
Another exercise from yoga is the brahmari. This breathing exercise involves making a noise akin to that of a bee. It might sound odd, but it can help to relax your body and mind and make getting over the craving to smoke easier. To perform this exercise, breathe in deeply with your throat. Tighten your throat a bit and exhale making a bee-like sound. Repeat as many times as you like to relax and refocus.
