In our daily lives, many activities require a lot of energy: work, school, exercise, socialising, and boring house chores. Did you know that you can make your body feel more energised with breathing exercises? Read on to find out how to boost your energy levels with these tried-and-tested breathing exercises.
How breathing affects your energy
Breathing significantly impacts our energy levels because oxygen is essential to the human body. Every vital organ in the body needs oxygen for proper functioning. When these organs receive enough oxygen, they convert it into energy and carbon dioxide. When you breathe out, you remove carbon dioxide from your body.
Lack of oxygen often causes fatigue and loss of energy. Inadequate inhalation is a contributing factor because oxygen cannot reach all of the lungs. Starting a series of deliberate, forceful breaths stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which results in a decreased heart rate and increased oxygen delivery, providing more energy and improved wellbeing.
You can use breathing exercises at different times throughout the day to help you feel more energised. Here are three techniques that will boost your energy.
Belly breathing
This breathing technique requires minimal time and is easily applicable in different situations.
1. Close your eyes and place your hands on your chest and stomach.
2. Breathe in deeply for five seconds, concentrating on the inhalation from your belly.
3. Exhale for another five seconds naturally.
4. Repeat this for about five times or more as needed.
Double breathing
This technique rapidly increases energy levels by activating the sympathetic nervous system.
1. Take a comfortable position and close your eyes.
2. Breathe in through your nose shortly and continue with a deep inhalation through the nose.
3. Take a short breath out through your mouth and continue with a long breath out.
4. Repeat this technique several times and evaluate the effect on you.
Wim Hof breathing
This method works best on an empty stomach and is recommended to do upon waking up.
1. Get into a comfortable position on your bed or couch.
2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Fill your lungs with oxygen and then let the breath out naturally, without exerting force. Repeat this process approximately 30 times in direct succession.
3. After your last exhalation, hold your breath for as long as possible, until the urge to breathe comes up.
4. Take another big breath and hold it for 15 seconds. Then let the air go again. Subsequently, go back to step one and repeat this cycle about three times.
Breathing, cold and heat therapy (saunas and ice baths), and commitment, can significantly impact your energy levels. Many people use the methods about to improve their energy, sleep, and stress relief, among other benefits.
