Deep breathing is a very useful tool to quit smoking. You can use deep breathing as a coping skill. Here are some of the benefits:
• helps cravings pass
• promotes relaxation
• relieves feelings of tension, anxiety, and nervousness
• increases oxygen and blood flow to the brain
• improves memory, alertness, problemsolving, and decision-making skills
Learning the Technique
The 5 steps below teach you how to practice traditional deep breathing:
Take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Breathe in for 3 seconds. Feel your abdomen (bely) expand as you inhale.
-
Hold the breath for 3 seconds.
-
Pucker your lips and exhale through your mouth. Breath out slowly and evenly for 6 seconds. Fell your abdomen (belly) move inward.
-
repeat the first three steps 3 to 5 times to experience the calming effect of deep breathing.
-
Practice often so you can use deep breathing effectively.
 
|
