Fun Breathing Exercises |

Photo Credit morning breath of chinese little girl image by yang xiaofeng from Fotolia.com

Fun breathing exercises are an effective tool you can use to energize your body while soothing your nervous system. You can do them at any time of day, and, unlike physical exercise and relaxation techniques, breathing exercises can be done anywhere. Some of these exercises challenge your body, and others use humming sounds or short bursts to energize you.

Hummingbird Breathing

The sensation of humming along with your breath is fun and calming. Inhale completely by filling your lower abdomen, then your middle abdomen and finally your lungs and chest. This is called a three-part breath. Then, make a humming sound for the entire exhale. Keep humming as long as you can while letting the sensation vibrate in your face, head and abdomen. The vibration might even tickle a bit. Contract your stomach muscles to push out out a few more seconds of breath as you hum. You can relax and breathe normally before trying another hummingbird breath. Enjoy this exercise for for 2 or 3 minutes.

Tai Chi Breathing

Tai chi breathing energizes you and and gets your body involved in the sequence. Take three short inhales through your nose without exhaling. On the first inhale, lift your arms straight out in front of you at shoulder height. On the second inhale, extend your arms to your sides at the same height. On your third inhale, lift your arms directly overhead. Exhale slowly through your mouth as you move your arms back down to your sides, forming an arc as you move. You can do 10 or 12 repetitions of this exercise without becoming lightheaded. If you do become lightheaded, end the exercise right away.

Breath of Fire

This Kundalini yoga exercise is a fun way to strengthen your nervous system, purify your bloodstream and increase vitality. It is a quick, rhythmic, continuous technique practiced with your mouth closed. Breathe with your solar plexus, just above the belly button, rather than with the lower abdominal region. You can do this breathing exercise for 2 or 3 minutes.

Exercises