Breathing is an automatic gesture, but it is not always effective. During physical exertion or when faced with increased stress, many people adopt short, rapid breathing which increases shortness of breath. In a video published by Good & Good Together on Instagram, sports physiotherapist and osteopath Hemrick Verwaerde presents several exercises intended to find deeper breathing.
These techniques are aimed at both people who practice a sporting activity and those who quickly feel out of breath when climbing stairs, gardening or doing household chores. The objective is simple: to better oxygenate the body to make the effort more comfortable while relieving tension.
Three breathing exercises to better control your breath
The first reflex is to interrupt the cycle of rapid breathing. Hemtonkine advises: “When you feel that breathing is becoming short, take the time to inhale deeply and exhale as much as possible.“
To perform this exercise, one hand is placed on the stomach and the other on the rib cage in order to feel the breathing movements. The lungs are filled to the maximum before exhaling completely. This respiratory amplitude makes it possible to avoid the sequence of small inhalations and exhalations which maintain the feeling of shortness of breath.
Why does deep breathing also help reduce stress?
Beyond physical exertion, these exercises can also help calm the nervous system. The expert describes the movement to be performed: “I inflate, I go as high and forward as possible and I empty as much as possible.“
Fuller breathing promotes better oxygenation of the body while helping to find a calmer rhythm. Practiced regularly, these exercises can accompany daily activities such as sports sessions by limiting the feeling of shortness of breath and making stress management easier.
Integrate conscious breathing into everyday actions
Conscious breathing does not require any special equipment and can be practiced at any time of the day. During exercise, a few deep breaths may be enough to regain better control of your breathing before resuming your activity.
With regular practice, the breathing range becomes more natural. Whether during a sports session, physical work or a household task, taking a few moments to breathe deeply can help you better cope with the effort while limiting the effects of stress.