Does your head hurt every time you are in a stressful environment? Do you feel a throbbing pain when you are anxious or depressed? These symptoms could be migraine and it’s not as simple as you think. Migraine can be a complicated and recurring condition when not treated or prevented properly. One sure way to avoid migraine is to engage in relaxation and breathing exercises.

Benefits of Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises have many benefits. They regulate a person’s breathing, making you more relaxed and calm, in spite of demanding situations. They also allow you to have a healthy circulatory system by allowing more oxygen to get into your blood stream. With all these benefits, you should not ignore any chance you have to engage in breathing exercises. After all, when you compare these exercises with other workout routines, these are virtually expense-free and very easy to do.

Breathing exercises are usually found among the Eastern practices of tai chi and yoga. These exercises are very simple and easy to follow. Whether you are a working student taking up full load in college or a single mom who works two jobs, you can easily do breathing exercises to reduce stress and avoid migraine.

What You Need to Know about Breathing Exercises

The most important thing you need to remember when doing breathing exercises is timing. Concentrate on breathing from the abdomen first, allowing your ribcage to expand. This process will enable you to take in the deepest breath.

Breathing exercises are best to perform in a warm place. In addition, it would give you maximum comfort and benefit if you wear comfortable clothes and position yourself securely.

Breathing exercises can be performed lying down, standing up, or sitting down.

Two Types of Breathing Exercises

There are at least two types of breathing exercises: alternate nostril breathing and abdominal breathing.

The first one, nostril breathing, can be done by closing the right nostril with the thumb then breathing out through the left nostril. This should be repeated with the other nostril. After which, you should close both nostrils and hold your breath for a count of sixteen before exhaling. Repeat the procedure several times until you feel that you have released all tensions from your body. This can also be repeated several times a day when necessary.

Abdominal breathing, on the other hand, is better performed lying down. First, you should lie on your back with your feet turned outwards and palms facing the sky. Then, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.  Make sure that you breathe from the abdomen, then breathe in and out slowly. This exercise is best done for at least fifteen minutes.

With these simple steps that require no amount of thought at all, you should be able to achieve a more relaxed and calm sense of being which will relieve stress and prevent conditions such as headaches and migraine. So, why spend money on medications or spend time going to the doctor? As long as you know how to get rid of stressors in your life, you can bring back a happy and healthy sense of being.