Deep Breathing: Lessons From A Singer

Why Deep Breathing is Good For You

So, in order to get the best tips on how to breathe deeply, we thought we’d take it from someone who has to do it professionally. In order to have control over the sound they produce and the strength and quality at which they produce it, singers spend a lot of time training to get this just right. But beyond crooning at the moon in beautiful song, a singer is also well acquainted with the benefits in posture and general wellbeing that this kind of breathing brings.

Yes, deep breathing can help to improve blood flow, relieve anxiety and stress, increase energy levels, help you to sleep better, improve posture, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and more. We think these songbirds are on to something here.

Breathe like a rockstar

So we took some basic pointers from a singer’s breathing exercise routine and created this 5-minute deep breathing meditation for you to try:

Preparation:

• Find a quiet place and perch on the edge of a comfortable chair with arms relaxed and hands resting on your legs, lie flat on your back with arms relaxed at your sides, or stand up straight with arms relaxed at your sides. Any of these positions will work.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Keep your back tall and straight.
• Lift your sternum (breastbone) slightly to further open up your chest.
• Keep your shoulders back, down, and relaxed.

Deep breathing exercise:

• Set a timer for 5 minutes so you don’t need to think about the time.
• Breathe in slowly through your nose and out again through your nose and mouth.
• Breathe in deeply, imagining that you are inflating your lungs from the bottom up.
• Imagine a ring around your waist (specifically in your diaphragm area). Try to push the ring outwards as you inhale.
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and level at all times. Avoid raising them while inhaling.
• Remember to keep your back tall and straight.
• Relax and focus on the movement and sound of your breath.
• Continue for 5 minutes.

Now keep it up! You’ll be a pro in no time. Of course, we don’t mean that this will magically transform you into the next big Grammy award winner. And it’s probably not a good idea to entertain your colleagues with your new-found singing techniques until you’ve tested them out on your family members first 😉

BUT, it will make you breathe better, feel amazing and benefit your mental and physical health in wonderful ways.

There are many other mindfulness exercises and meditation techniques that you can use to give yourself that much-needed headspace every day. And all it takes to start is 5 minutes.

Happy, healthy breathing.