10 Healthy Breathing Hacks

Just changing the way you breathe could help relieve headaches, ease asthma and even boost your memory. We show you how…

1 REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE

Sort it: Try left-nostril breathing 

According to an Indian study, breathing through your left nostril may help lower heart rate and blood pressure. ‘Place your right index and middle finger in the space between your eyebrows, then close off your right nostril with your right thumb,’ says Naomi Costantino of East of Eden yoga studio (edeneast.co.uk). Aim for six minutes of long, slow breathing.

2 BEAT HEADACHES

Sort it: Focus on your ribcage

Most of us breathe too shallowly, which can mean oxygen supply to the brain’s blood vessels is reduced – and that can cause headaches. ‘Ribcage breathing encourages effective blood oxygenation,’ says Pilates pro Susie Mermaid (mermaid wellbeing.com). ‘Sit and place your hands on your ribcage. Breathe in, focusing on the back/sides of your ribs expanding – imagine filling a balloon with air on the inhale, then let it gently deflate on the exhale.’

3 INCREASE ENERGY

Sort it: Breathe fire