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Deep breathing exercises

Produced by Bupa's Health Information Team, January 2009.

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Deep breathing exercises for relaxation

This video is for adults who want to learn more about deep breathing exercises.

Video transcript

The way you breathe can affect the way you feel. Through deep breathing techniques this can help you keep calm during difficult or stressful situations.

Sit on a chair or lie down on your back. Get yourself in a comfortable position, loosening your clothing if necessary. Focus on your breathing - feel its rhythm, depth and speed. Put one hand on the upper part of your chest and the other just below your ribs on your abdomen. Slowly exhale. Gently breathe in so that you can feel your abdomen rising under your hand. Exhale for a little longer this time. Feel your abdomen fall under your hand. Pause for a few moments, and then inhale again. Repeat the process.

You'll know that you're following the technique correctly if the hand on your abdomen moves up and down but the hand on your chest remains still.

Not everybody is happy using a deep breathing technique. If you find difficulty focusing in on your breathing, then please stop the exercise.

Further information

This information was published by Bupa's Health Information Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. The content is intended only for general information and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. For more details on how we produce our content and its sources, visit the About our Health Information page.

Publication date: January 2009

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