Breath Easy: 5 Breathing Techniques To Maintain Your Lung Health And Mind Amidst Poor Air Quality In Mumbai

With worsening air quality in the city, it is important that we keep our lungs health in check. These breathing techniques will help you keep your lungs healthy thus keeping you away from future respiratory issues. Pooja Nidadavolu of JetSynthesys’ ThinkRight.me suggests a few relaxing techniques

Deep Abdominal breaths: Close the eyes, sit comfortably and practice deep abdominal breaths for 5 to 10 mins. Notice the rise and fall of the abdomen and chest with each inhalation and exhalation respectively

Meditation: This is effective when done after at least 2-3 mins of abdominal breathing, which will regulate the breath. When you have thoughts, try not to connect with them and gently move your awareness back to the breath and focal point

Sit comfortably with the eyes closed, spine straight, focus on each inhalation and exhalation and then gradually move the awareness to a focal point (between the eyebrows or the heart plexus whichever comes to you naturally) and continue breathing normally

Walking Meditation: Start to take a walk (preferably outdoor) and focus your attention on the feet rising and stepping. Involve the five senses by watching the surrounding and observing the sounds around, feel the air on the skin and connection with the earth as your feet touch the ground

Mantra Meditation: If you have or your own mantra or a chant, you can sync it to your breath and chant it mentally for a few minutes. If you have access to a rosary, it can be used but its not necessary. If you don’t know any mantra, simply chant the universal mantra OM