Tummy breathing
The way we breathe, its pattern and how the muscles are used, can affect how comfortable our breathing feels. It’s common to hold tension in the upper chest, shoulders or tummy.
By releasing this tension the breathing can feel easier and more relaxed.
Relaxed tummy breathing
Here are the 3Rs of the relaxed tummy breathing
Relaxed tummy breathing doesn’t always come naturally. It can be helpful to practice it little and often throughout the day, when you’re not breathless, so that it becomes more familiar.
Sitting in a supportive chair when practising can help. If you’re finding it difficult when you’re sitting, try side lying or sitting on your bed with your head, back and arms supported on pillows.
Click the audio below to learn how to do relaxed tummy breathing.
Try listening to this once a day to help you get into a habit of breathing more efficiently.
How to tummy breathe when you’re feeling more breathless
When you’re breathless try to avoid fast, shallow breaths into your upper chest. Instead use what you’ve learnt through practicing relaxed tummy breathing.
To ease breathlessness, focus your breathing effort down to your tummy, keeping your shoulders and upper chest relaxed.
Make each breath slower and longer, expanding your tummy and lower ribs as you breathe in.
This is called diaphragmatic breathing. As your breathlessness eases, allow your breathing to settle back to gentle relaxed tummy breathing.
Other strategies
Click to find out about useful strategies for breaking the Breathing cycle.
This website describes some practical ways to help you manage day-to-day long-term breathlessness. It has useful information for people with lung conditions, their carers, and the health professionals supporting them.
If your breathing is getting rapidly worse or you have new symptoms, it is important to seek prompt medical review or call 000. This website is not designed for people who have a new undiagnosed breathing problem or a sudden deterioration. It is not a substitute for medical assessment.