The way you begin your morning can affect how you approach the rest of your day. A rushed morning can leave you feeling distracted before your day has even started, while a few quiet minutes can give you time to slow down and focus.
This is one reason morning breathing exercises can be a useful addition to a daily routine. They do not require a gym, special equipment, or a long session. You can simply sit comfortably and spend a few minutes paying attention to your breath.
For people who already practise yoga, breathing exercises can also become a natural part of their morning yoga routine.
Morning breathing exercises are simple practices that involve bringing attention to the breath after waking up.
Some exercises use slow and steady breathing, while others follow a particular rhythm or method. In yoga, conscious breathing practices are commonly known as pranayama.
You do not need to start with a difficult technique. A simple breathing practice can help you become more aware of how you breathe and give you a quiet start to the day.
The important thing is to keep the breathing comfortable rather than trying to take extremely deep breaths.
Your morning routine does not have to include many activities to be useful.
Adding a few minutes of breathing practice can give you a chance to sit quietly before moving into work, study, travel, or other responsibilities.
Some people use morning breathing exercises as part of a routine for:
Breathing exercises are also one type of relaxation practice. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes breathing exercises such as slow, deep breathing as techniques that can support the body's relaxation response.