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 1: Deep Breathing in Supine (on your back)
- Lie on your back and bend your knees so that the bottom of your feet is resting on the bed.
- Place your hands on top of your stomach or wrap them around the sides of your stomach.
- Close your lips and place your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
- Breathe in through the nose and pull air down into your stomach where your hands are. Try to spread your fingers apart with your breath.
- 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.
