It cannot be denied that our daily routines nowadays do not really allow the “lungs” to work at their full capacity. Worse still, the air quality we breathe continues to deteriorate. Lung exercises are therefore another option to help keep your lungs strong enough to fight air pollution. Are you starting to wonder how to do lung exercises? Today, we have gathered some great tips for lung exercises. Are you ready? If so, let’s go!
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Breathe deeply
Start with the easiest technique that can be done anywhere, anytime. Simply breathe in and out as deeply as possible. When inhaling, sit or stand up straight, lift your chest slightly to allow your lungs to fully expand, then slowly exhale by relaxing your abdominal muscles. This type of breathing not only helps your lungs work at full capacity but also improves concentration, clears the mind, and supplies the body with ample oxygen. It’s an all-in-one benefit.
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Count your breaths
Building on deep breathing, challenge yourself a bit more by roughly counting how long your inhalation and exhalation take. You might start counting 1, 2, 3 steadily until you have fully inhaled, then stop counting and start again at 1 as you exhale. Repeat this about 5 times a day. Then, aim to gradually increase the duration of your breaths. For example, in the first week, you might inhale counting from 1 to 4, and in the following week, try to inhale deeper by counting from 1 to 6 to give your lungs more exercise. However, this practice should be done gradually without pressuring yourself or forcing your breath, as it could be harmful.
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Laugh heartily
Laughter causes the diaphragm to move, promotes air circulation in the lungs, and helps expel stale air trapped in the lungs, making room for more oxygen. Laughing also stimulates heart function, improving blood circulation to various organs. Additionally, laughter triggers the release of happiness hormones, leading to relaxation, better concentration, and improved sleep quality.
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Do cardio exercises
Whether it’s walking, running, swimming, or cycling, these exercises stimulate heart function, increasing blood circulation. Your lungs have to work harder to supply enough oxygen. Therefore, the more you exercise, the more efficient your lungs become.
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Keep moving regularly
Another lung exercise method that suits office workers without interfering with work time is to start by using the stairs instead of the elevator. Change your routine by walking to a restroom on a different floor occasionally. At least, make short periods of time when you get up and walk away from your computer screen beneficial by walking more to relax fatigue. Changing posture gives your brain and eyes a break, helping you concentrate better at work. After lunch, if you still have time, don’t rush back to your desk immediately. Use your break time wisely by walking to see a friend or changing the atmosphere a bit, which will help your lungs get more exercise.
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Drink green tea
This uniquely fragrant beverage has many benefits and is full of antioxidants that stimulate lung function and reduce the risk of pneumonia. A study in Korea found that people who drink at least 2 cups of green tea a day have better lung function than those who do not drink it at all. It is recommended to drink hot green tea without added sugar, as otherwise, you might unknowingly get diabetes and fat as a side effect.
