Ways To Strengthen Your Lungs For Easy Breathing

With masks becoming an essential part of life, the definition of normal has changed. The new normal comes with a compulsion of wearing a mask every time you step out of your home. Though the change is for our own protection, wearing a mask can be suffocating at times. It not only restricts the flow of oxygen but also makes one feel warmer.

In order to prevent this feeling of suffocation and better breathing, it is important that you take steps to strengthen your lungs. A healthier pair of lungs will not only make it easier for you to breathe under the mask but will also help in maintaining a regular supply of oxygen in your body.

Here are some easy breathing exercises you can do to increase your lung strength:

Pranayama

There are different types of Pranayamas which can prove beneficial in improving your lung capacity. Nowadays pranayama is widely recommended to people, including the ones who have been found COVID-19 positive. Pranayama not only helps in improving blood circulation but also ensures maximum utilisation of your lung’s capacity.

Don't Miss: Your Body Starts Giving You These 4 Signs When You Have Unhealthy Lungs

Diaphragmatic breathing

Also known as belly breathing, this breathing exercise must be included in your daily routine. It basically puts your diaphragm to use and makes you breathe from the bottom of your stomach. All you need to do, in order to do this exercise, is sit straight and keep your hand on your stomach. Now take a long, deep breath. While breathing in, you should feel your stomach rise and while breathing out it should fall. The basic concept behind this is to make you breathe deeply. Usually, humans follow shallow breathing, which is unconscious breathing. This breathing continues without efforts but doesn’t utilise the capacity of the lungs.

Don't Miss: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan Suggests Not To Wear Mask While Exercising, Here's Why

Kapaalbhati

To start with, sit with a straight spine with both your hands on your knees. Exhale all the air from your lungs. Now take a small breath from both your nostrils and exhale sharply. Make sure you exhale your breath with force. While doing so you will feel your stomach contracting inside and relaxing. Continue this string of short breaths in and out for 8-10 minutes. Don’t exert excess pressure while doing it and stop if you start feeling dizzy.

Anuloma viloma

Another popular and easy exercise that can be done for lung strength is Anuloma viloma. To begin with, sit with your back straight and breathe out all the air. Now put your right thumb on your right nostril and close it. Now breathe with the left nostril and use your ring finger to close it after you breathe in. Now lift your right thumb and open your right nostril. Breathe out completely. Continue doing this for at least 5-10 minutes for more effect.

Deep breathing

Of all the breathing exercises, deep breathing is the easiest one to do. All you need to do is venture out in the open and find a peaceful place to breathe. Sit down and start breathing. Take slow but deep breaths. While doing it, focus on your breathing as you inhale and exhale. A good 5-10 minutes of deep breathing will leave you feeling refreshed and energised.

Try including the above mentioned exercises in your morning routine for maximum benefit. Though you can do these any time during the day, however morning air is believed to be comparatively fresher. Follow a 30-minute exercise routine along with 10-15 minutes of breathing exercises. Consciously drink enough water during the day to keep yourself hydrated. All these things when paired together will not only increase your breathing capacity but will also keep you healthy.

For more on health and wellness, stay tuned to HerZindagi.