Improve Lung Health: Breathing Exercises & Oxygen Levels

How can breathing exercises and monitoring oxygen with a pulse oximeter improve your lung capacity? Whether recovering from smoking or managing lung nodules, deep breathing is essential for vitality.

Why Does Deep Breathing Calm You Down?

Published Aug,14 2017 | By Sue Doucette

Deep breathing relieves stress and anxiety due to its physiological effect on the nervous system. Breathing slowly and mindfully activates the hypothalamus, connected to the pituitary gland in the brain, to send out neurohormones that inhibit stress-producing hormones and trigger a relaxation response in the body.

Sue Doucette started writing in 2004 and was published in “American Fitness" magazine in 2009. She is an A.C.E. certified fitness instructor and Yoga Alliance-registered yoga teacher with more than 17 years of teaching experience. Doucette holds certifications in BodyPump and SilverSneakers and has a Bachelor of Science in fashion merchandising. She graduated from Philadelphia University.