Breathing, everyone does it, but are we doing it properly? Oxygen is vital to the body, and not getting enough can lead to depression, mental sluggishness, and negative thoughts. Lack of oxygen can also lead to a variety of other health related problems. When we practice the art of proper breathing there are many benefits including:

- Relaxation,
- Better digestion
- Healthier lungs
- Better immune system

The act of breathing is different from the art of breathing. Many people do not realize the power of proper breathing, and may not know how to do it. Did you know you can increase your lung capacity and be able to utilize more oxygen for your body? Did you know you can inflate your lungs like a balloon to hold more air? These are just a few secrets most do not know.

Here are some simple exercises to help you breath better and expand your lungs:

Deep Breathing
Inhale:

1. Sit with your back straight and you hands on you knees. Take a normal breath, when you exhale tighten your stomach muscles to help completely empty your lungs. Pause for two counts.

2. Inhale for five counts. Expand your stomach as you breathe in slowly.

3. Your shoulders should not move when breathing properly. Try and keep them steady and breathe from your diaphragm. If you do not know where your diaphragm is, it is right above your abdominal muscles.

Exhale:

1. Allow your stomach to relax as the air goes out. At the end of the exhale tighten your stomach muscles to help completely empty the lungs.

2. Repeat

Following these breathing guidelines will help increase the amount of air your lungs can take in, therefore helping your body receive more oxygen. Practice these techniques fifteen minutes a day and you will start seeing more results in just a few days.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

In order to know for sure that you are breathing correctly through your diaphragm, follow these 4 steps.

1. Lie on the floor and place one hand on the chest and one hand on the stomach.

2. Inhale through the nose, allowing the hand on your stomach to rise. Try to keep the hand on your chest as still as possible.

3. Exhale through the nose, letting the stomach, and hand on the stomach to lower.

4. Repeat

You can practice these breathing exercises at any time throughout the day. If you find yourself in a stressful situation you may find that breathing deeply will help you calm down and focus. Practicing these exercises on a regular basis will help to improve your overall health, and help to give you a more positive outlook.

Breathing correctly will help your body get more oxygen and more oxygen in your muscles will mean more energy, you will sleep better and feel better. The great thing about working out your diaphragm is that it is a muscle and will get stronger the more you work at it. There for you will constantly breathe better because your diaphragm muscle is stronger.