Breathing Exercises and Rest Positions
Deep Breathing Technique
Description
- Sit on a chair with your back straight
- Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach
- Breath in slowly through your nose so that your stomach moves out against your hand
- The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible
- Tighten your tummy muscles and exhale while keeping the hand on the chest still
Breath Stacking Technique
Description
- It is recommended that you do not perform this exercise within 1 hour of eating or drinking
- Breath out fully
- Take a small breath in and pause
- Repeat this process until the lungs are full and you cannot take anymore air into your lungs
- Hold this breath for 2 - 5 seconds
- Exhale out of your mouth through pursed lips
Leaning Backwards Against a Wall in Standing
Description
- Stand a short distance away from a wall
- Keep your feet slightly apart
- Let your upper body remain relaxed and keep your arms by your side
Leaning Forwards while Sitting
Description
- From a sitting position, lean forwards to rest your forearms on your knees
- Try to keep your upper body relaxed
- You can also perform this position of ease by leaning forwards and rest your forearms on a table
Supported Forward Leaning in Standing
Description
- Lean forwards to rest your forearms onto a high chair, countertop or solid surface
- Allow the support to take some of your weight so you can breath more easily