Simple breathing exercises can serve a multitude of purposes, ranging from controlling anger to relieving stress and improving overall respiratory functions, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Stress reduction in any form reduces wear and tear on the body and mind. Breathing properly with intention is one of the simplest forms of relaxation that can be done anywhere.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
People with chronic lung disorders such as emphysema can benefit from performing simple breathing exercises from the diaphragm two to four times a day. Lie on the floor because you need the hard support not achievable in a bed. Put a pillow under your head and under your knees. Relax and begin breathing in and out evenly. Touch the top of your abdomen just under your rib cage with your fingertips and feel your diaphragm move as you breathe. Breathe in and out through your mouth and make sure your chest does not rise as you inhale. Instead bring the air down into your abdomen. Inhale slowly on a count of three and exhale to a count of six, emptying your diaphragm. Take 10 to 15 breaths each time. Build up your breathing ability by lying on your side and taking the slow deep breaths, then sit up and perform the exercise.
Deep Breathing
Give your lungs a good workout with deep breathing exercises that can be performed either sitting or standing. Start with your elbows bent at your sides. As you take in a breath through your mouth, extend your elbows behind your back and stick out your chest. Hold for a count of five and release the air by sucking in your abdomen. This will force out the air in a quick burst. Let your arms return to the starting position and repeat 10 times.
Pursed Lip Breathing
Increase the capacity of the small airways in your respiratory system by practicing pursed lip breathing, advise doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can do this exercise sitting, standing or lying down. Fill your diaphragm as you did in diaphragmatic breathing by drawing in the air to your abdomen and keeping your chest still. Inhale deeply through your nostrils. Let the air out through your pursed lips, making a hissing sound as the air is released. Take twice as long to exhale as you did to inhale. For example, if you count to five as you breathe in, count to 10 as you exhale. Repeat 10 times.
Hold and Cough
Another simple exercise that provides additional work for the lungs is the hold and cough technique. Inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth and nose, and hold your breath for five to 10 seconds. Cough the air out of your lungs. You add pressure to the exercise for your airways by coughing as you exhale. Repeat five or six times.
