Shortness of breath, improper breathing habits and stiff or tight ribcage muscles affect your breathing ability and lung capacity. According to the University of Missouri Center on Aging Studies, both aging and poor breathing habits can contribute to a 20 percent decrease of oxygen levels in the blood, causing fatigue and lowered mental alertness. Breathing exercises can help to deepen your breath, cleanse your lungs, induce a state of relaxation and facilitate breathing.
Tai Chi Breathing
This Chinese breath exercise helps to open your lungs while coordinating your breath with gentle movements. Inhale quickly and briefly. Without exhaling, raise your arms straight out in front of you to shoulder height, then inhale quickly again opening your arms out to your sides at shoulder height. Take one last quick inhalation and raise your arms over your head. Slowly exhale and lower your arms back to your sides. Perform this breathing exercise 10 times.
Breath Awareness
The breath awareness exercise helps to deepen your breathing, inducing relaxation and increasing mindfulness, the quality of being present in the moment. Sit in a comfortable chair with your head in line with your spine. Relax your shoulders and just observe your breath for a few moments. Close your eyes and take one long, slow inhalation through your nose, observing the rise of your belly and chest. Exhale through your mouth, emptying your lungs completely. Allow any thoughts to flow out of your mind as you focus on breathing in this manner for five to 10 minutes.
Bharamari Breathing
Bharamari breathing, also known as the humming breath, helps to calm your mind, reduces anxiety, induces relaxation and facilitates breathing. Sit in a cross-legged position on the floor. Place your hands on your knees and close your eyes. Inhale through your nose and upon exhaling, make a humming sound in your throat. Your exhalations should be slightly longer than your inhalations. Practice this breathing exercise for five minutes.
Ujjayi Breathing
Ujjayi breathing is one of the techniques known as pranayama in yoga. According to yoga instructor Tim Miller, ujjayi breathing can be both energizing and relaxing. This breathing technique helps you to relax and deepens your breath. Sit in a cross-legged position on the floor. Placing your hands on your knees, inhale through your nose for four seconds. Exhale out of your nose, consciously pushing the air out of your abdomen while making a hissing sound in your throat. Practice this exercise for five minutes.
