Deep breathing Exercises
Deep breathing can help restore diaphragm function and increase lung capacity. Breathing through the nose strengthens the diaphragm and encourages the nervous system to relax and restore itself. The goal is to build up the ability to breathe deeply during any activity and not just at rest.
Anyone can benefit from deep breathing techniques, but they play an especially important role in the COVID-19 recovery process. The exercises can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
Phase 2: Deep Breathing in Prone (on your tummy)
- Lie on your stomach and rest your head on your hands to allow room to breathe.
- Close your lips and place your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
- Breathe in through your nose and pull air down into your stomach. Try to focus on your stomach pushing into the mattress as you breathe.
- Slowly exhale your breath through your nose
- Repeat the deep breaths for 5 repetitions increasing to 10 as it becomes easier.
This deep breathing exercise is broken up into phases to consider individual ability. Work your way through the phases but only increase repetitions or move to the next phase when you can complete the exercise without feeling too out of breath.
