What is the main purpose of breathing exercises? More than anything, they help to preserve a calm, peaceful state of mind, ridding you of much of the tension that comes from daily life. Here is a routine popularized in Yoga, but which many health-conscious individuals have now found helpful.

1) Find a comfortable chair and sit up straight in it. Breathe in, and as you do, relax your stomach muscles. Feel as though the stomach is filling with air like a balloon.

2) After you feel like the stomach is filled, keep inhaling. Feel the middle of your chest filling with air, expanding the chest and rib cage areas.

3) Now hold the breath for a few seconds, and then start exhaling as slowly as you can.

4) As you slowly allow the air to escape from your lungs, relax the chest and rib cage. Start pulling the stomach in, forcing out the remaining air.

5) Now shut your eyes and focus — really focus — on your breathing.

6) Keep your face and mind totally relaxed, letting everything else in your world go.

7) Continue this routine for about five minutes. We recommend this especially if you\’re one who finds it difficult relaxing before going to bed at night. This is a great way to unwind and let all of the day\’s stresses go.

There are three primary types of breathing exercises that you will find helpful: Deep breathing, Pursed Lip breathing, and Diaphragm breathing. We\’ll discuss them one by one:

1) Deep breathing: First, sit or stand, pulling your elbows back firmly inhale deeply. Hold this breath for five counts and then exhale slowly. Repeat this process several times.

2) Pursed Lip Breathing: Use this when you find yourself short of breath. Relax the neck and shoulder muscles. Now breathe slowly through your nose for about three counts. Purse the lips like you\’re trying to whistle. Breathe out gently through these pursed lips twice as long as you breathed in. Repeat until you are no longer short of breath.

3) Diaphragm Breathing: For this one, place a couple of pillows on the floor. Now lie on your back on the pillows, with your knees bent. Place your fingers on your stomach, directly below the rib cage. Breathe in deeply, making sure that your chest remains mostly still as your stomach and lower ribs rise. Count to three and then exhale for a count of six. You might find it helpful to keep your lips puckered, as this will help you to exhale slowly. You should be able to do this about a dozen times without tiring out.

There is a right and a wrong way to do breathing exercises before starting the rest of your exercise program. Let\’s talk briefly about when and how to do them.

Breathing exercises are helpful if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breathing exercises also can reduce symptoms caused by anxiety and stress. Anxiety and stress increase the heart and breathing rates, and increase the body\’s demand for oxygen. Learning to control your breathing rate is a big benefit. Breathing exercises can improve your performance during physical activity, as well. You may be asked to do breathing exercises before and after abdominal, heart, or lung surgery. The exercises help prevent pneumonia when you are not able to get up and move around easily.

So how should you do your breathing exercises?

A nurse or therapist can teach you the right way to do the breathing exercises. You will learn to focus on a particular area and not use your neck or shoulder muscles. You can exercise at home. Learning in front of a mirror is useful. You should try to do each exercise recommended by your health care provider 10 times a session, 3 or 4 times a day.