6 Effective Methods for Improving Your Respiration

February 4, 2020 NewsEditor

Most of us take our breathing for granted, but those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues know what a blessing this is.

Since our birth, our lungs are constantly working to keep our bodies strong, healthy, and active. However, this also means that we need to pay more attention to our lung health.

With every breath, we’re giving oxygen to each body cell. If our cells don’t get the oxygen they need, this could result in numerous health issues. That’s why we need to take certain steps to ensure our respiratory health.

Below are some effective methods for achieving this goal:

Using the Diaphragm

Some simple diaphragmatic breathing techniques can help enhance the function of your lungs. These are especially beneficial for those who suffer from asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. However, those who don’t suffer from such issues can also utilize these techniques as a preventative exercise.

Diaphragmatic breathing involves using the

diaphragm muscle. This is located between the lungs and the abdomen. Concentrating on this area while breathing in will help you inhale much deeper than before. Incidentally, this is also one of the exercises that pro singers practice to increase the capacity of their lungs.

Correcting Your Posture

This study demonstrates how our posture influences our respiratory muscle activity. Our lungs are soft organs, so they’ll only have as much room as you give them. That’s why it’s essential to sit as tall as possible and give them the space they need to function properly.

One good way to ensure a lung-friendly posture is to extend upward from the crown of your head, which naturally opens your chest. Avoid arching your lower back forward or slouching. Maintain at least a small amount of space in your armpit region. Keeping your arms tightly against your sides, restricts your chest cavity and lung capacity.

Simple Breathing

Other than concentrating on a single muscle, you can also try regular deep breathing exercises to improve your respiration. This involves inhaling slowly, expanding the belly, and expanding the ribs as well. This will allow the floating ribs to open up. You can then expand the upper chest and lift it.

After this, the exhale starts. You’ll let your chest fall, contract your ribs back together, and bring in your stomach muscles. This will also lift your diaphragm back up again.

Counting Breaths

Increasing lung capacity is also possible through the exercise of taking long inhalations as well as exhalations. Count the number of seconds it takes for you to inhale normally. See if the exhalation process also takes this long. If it doesn’t, you should try to change your breathing pattern to make both processes of the same length.

After this equalizing, start adding more seconds to your inhaling and exhaling. You can start small and gradually add more time as you go. The exercise should be easy and slow, not stressful.

Getting a Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Mattress

You may not realize it right away, but there might be toxins in your current mattress that are playing with your respiratory health. It’s best to check your mattress and see whether it’s the culprit for your not being able to sleep well at night.

Many mattresses contain synthetic chemicals that might be toxic, so see if you can invest in an non-toxic mattress for the sake of your health. You also may consider getting an organic pillow since it’s closest to your nose as you sleep!

Drinking More Water

Getting enough fluids will help to maintain the lungs’ mucosal lining and keep it in a thin state. This is ideal for proper functioning. In any case, drinking enough water is a very healthy habit that enhances the function of our whole body. The lungs need water just as much as the skin and digestive system, so don’t forget to stay hydrated.

To remember your daily water intake, it might be a good idea to keep a water bottle with you at all times. This will keep you hydrated no matter where you are or what your routine is like. Another way to stay hydrated is to keep an empty glass on your desk during work hours so you never forget to fill it up with water.

The Takeaway

For most of us, our regular routines don’t help us utilize the full capacity of our lungs. With the above methods, we can challenge these organs and unleash their potential. These techniques will also help to do away with the buildup of tar, toxins, and other harmful substances that are common these days. Pick any easy tip, and start breathing easier today.