In the meditation field there appears to be a variety of phrases that on the surface mean the same thing. So what are breathing exercises and how is it a distinct term from meditation and mindfulness.
Examples of Breathing Exercises
It is easier to think of breathing exercises as an overarching term and things like meditation and mindfulness are simply categories within this field. A breathing exercise is simply an activity focused around breathing. While meditation refers solely on focusing on your breath in the present. Here is a list of breathing exercises to help illustrate this point.
- Breath Holds– A form of breathing with prolonged holds aimed at improving function without oxygen or excess CO2.
- Meditation/Mindfulness– Focusing on the present through breath (here).
- Box Breathing/Counting– This does focusing on breathing but places a larger emphasis on counting how long your breaths and holds are to promote relaxing and technique.
- Breathing Technique– Did you know the vast majority of the population breathe inefficiently. Some exercises aim to correct this issue – find out if you breathe optimally here.
- Breathing skill– Similar to technique but we like to define them slightly differently. Breathing skill alludes to practicing methods of breathing that aren’t necessarily optimal. For example breathing in through one nostril and out the other.
What are Breathing Exercises for?
Some of the benefits have been mentioned above but there are so many we can create another list here.
- Improved breathing technique
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased creativity and productivity
- Strengthened immune system
- Better cardiovascular and respiratory health
- Improved sporting/exercise performance
- Better quality sleep
- Promote weight loss
Conclusion
Hopefully we have now answered the question what are breathing exercises and shown you the array of benefits they have. Our app encompasses all the techniques within your week of training so you receive all the benefits associated. It also uses separate mobility training for a variety of physical benefits too. Our app is releasing in September and will include a no card-detail 1 week free trial. Get notified when we release here.
