How to Keep Healthy Lungs: 10 Essential Tips for Better Breathing and Lung Health

4. Practise Breathing Exercises

Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing:

• Breathe deeply so your stomach rises, not just your chest
• This fully expands the lower lobes of your lungs, which are often underused
• Practise for 5–10 minutes daily

Pursed lip breathing:

• Inhale slowly through the nose for 2 counts
• Exhale through pursed lips for 4 counts
• Slows breathing rate and keeps airways open longer

Box breathing:

• Inhale for 4 counts → hold for 4 → exhale for 4 → hold for 4
• Reduces stress (which tightens the chest) and improves lung efficiency