I put this video out on social media a week ago, but I know that some of you here are not on Facebook etc.
I did the video for someone who had COVID-19 and was struggling with her breathing. This was also picked up by BBC Radio Wiltshire and I did a short interview with them.
There are some key elements that can inhibit breathing and a couple of things that will make breathing easier. They are in no particular order:
Position:
- If you are ill, you will want to rest and lie down.
- A big proportion of the lung is in the back, so lying on the back can restrict your breathing.
- Alternatives are lying on your front, or sitting back to front on a chair with a back and leaning your chest against it.
- This will allow you to open up your back as you breathe, getting a deeper breath.
Tension and Emotion:
If you are tense and fearful, your breathing will be restricted. It is hard to breathe through this tension which can feel like a tightness or crushing feeling in the chest and shortness of breath.
A couple of key things can help this:
- Pathway (nasal breathing):
- Breathing through the nose will bring calm into the body.
- Try to make the breaths light, soft and almost wispy, as they move down through the body.
- Movement:
- If you feel tension or restriction anywhere, try to move that area of the body lightly. This will break up the tension.
Click the video below to watch:
I hope that you found the odd useful tip in there.
My very best wishes as always for your health and training,
Matt.