{"id":5233,"date":"2026-05-04T17:58:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T12:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/?p=5233"},"modified":"2026-05-05T13:53:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T08:23:33","slug":"breathing-technique-how-are-you-breathing-right-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/general-yoga\/breathing-technique-how-are-you-breathing-right-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Breathing Technique \u2013 How are you breathing right now?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right is-style-info\"><strong><a href=\"#megha-agarwal\"> &#8211; By Megha Agarwal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You do it&nbsp;roughly 22,000&nbsp;times a day without a second thought. But here is the catch: most of us are remarkably bad at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We obsess over our step counts, our protein intake, and the mobility of our hips, yet we overlook the one physiological function that powers every single cell in our body.&nbsp;We\u2019ve&nbsp;become a generation of &#8220;chest-breathers&#8221;&nbsp;stuck in a shallow, high-stress loop that leaves our ribs tight, our necks strained, and our nervous systems on edge.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&nbsp;invite you to stop &#8220;getting through&#8221; your day and start fuelling it. Through three simple diagnostic tests,&nbsp;I will&nbsp;help&nbsp;you map your current breathing patterns and understand how your breath&nbsp;or the lack thereof,&nbsp;is shaping your posture, your energy, and your stress levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;reading this, how are you breathing right now?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is your chest lifting? Are your shoulders rising? Is your breath shallow and fast?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people use only 60-70% of their lung capacity in daily life. Breathing becomes restricted by tight ribs, a weak diaphragm, stress patterns, and years of shallow chest-only breathing. We stretch our hips, mobilise our shoulders, and strengthen our core \u2013 but rarely do we test the function that ties everything together:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Breathing.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today&nbsp;isn\u2019t&nbsp;about how deeply you&nbsp;<em>can<\/em>&nbsp;breathe.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>It\u2019s about how you&nbsp;<em>breathe<\/em>&nbsp;throughout your day.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s&nbsp;test it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Before You Start: A Quick Note<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If focusing on your breath increases anxiety, pause here.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some, breath awareness is calming. For others, it can feel triggering. If&nbsp;that\u2019s&nbsp;you, skip the tests and simply note:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Breath focus increases anxiety.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That awareness is valuable.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have asthma, COPD, are pregnant, or experience panic disorder, read the modification notes under Test 3 before&nbsp;proceeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now&nbsp;let\u2019s&nbsp;begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Test 1: 360\u00b0 Rib Expansion (The Hand Check)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What&nbsp;we\u2019re&nbsp;testing:<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Can your ribs expand in all directions \u2013 front, sides, and back?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"460\" data-attachment-id=\"5241\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/general-yoga\/breathing-technique-how-are-you-breathing-right-now\/attachment\/breathing-technique-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-1.webp\" data-orig-size=\"690,460\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Breathing Technique 1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-1-300x200.webp\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-1.webp\" src=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-1.webp\" alt=\"Breathing Technique 1\" class=\"wp-image-5241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-1.webp 690w, https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-1-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Test:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stand or sit comfortably.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place your hands on the sides of your ribcage (below armpits, fingers forward).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take a normal breath in.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do your ribs push your hands outward?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Now exhale.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Did your ribs move back in?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Real Test<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take a deeper breath and try to expand your ribs sideways, as if pushing your hands apart.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Then try the back:&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stand against a wall or lie down.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take a deep breath.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you push your&nbsp;<strong>back ribs<\/strong>&nbsp;into the wall or bed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Track Your Result:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>E (Easy):<\/strong>&nbsp;Ribs expand to sides and back.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>T (Tight):<\/strong>&nbsp;Only chest lifts, little sideways\/back movement.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quick Checks:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did your shoulders rise toward your ears? (Neck overworking.)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did only your belly push forward? (But ribs should expand too.)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your ribs&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;expand, your thoracic spine&nbsp;likely&nbsp;doesn\u2019t&nbsp;either. Tight ribs and a stiff upper back often travel together.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Test 2: Diaphragm Function (Belly Breathing)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle at the bottom of your ribcage.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>When you inhale, it contracts downward. This allows your lungs to fill fully and your belly to gently expand.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"460\" data-attachment-id=\"5242\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/general-yoga\/breathing-technique-how-are-you-breathing-right-now\/attachment\/breathing-technique-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-2.webp\" data-orig-size=\"690,460\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Breathing Technique 2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-2-300x200.webp\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-2.webp\" src=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-2.webp\" alt=\"Breathing Technique 2\" class=\"wp-image-5242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-2.webp 690w, https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-2-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Why Chest Breathing Is a Problem<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chest breathing uses neck and shoulder muscles instead of the diaphragm. Over time, this:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keeps your nervous system in stress mode&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Creates chronic neck and shoulder tension&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fills only the top third of your lungs&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduces core stability&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Your diaphragm&nbsp;isn\u2019t&nbsp;just for breathing \u2013 it stabilises your spine and supports posture.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Test:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take 5 normal breaths.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Notice which hand moves more.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Track Your Result:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>E (Easy):<\/strong>&nbsp;Belly moves significantly, chest barely moves.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>T (Tight): The<\/strong>&nbsp;chest moves more, both move equally, or the belly pulls inward on inhale (reverse breathing).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now sit up and test again.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Does the pattern change?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people breathe better lying down than sitting. If your diaphragm works lying down but not upright, posture may be restricting it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rounded shoulders.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>Tight core.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>Collapsed ribcage.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These patterns reduce diaphragmatic function\u2014even if your diaphragm is capable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Test 3: Breath Hold Capacity (Breathing Efficiency)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This test measures efficiency \u2013 not lung size, but CO\u2082 tolerance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we breathe rapidly and shallowly, we exhale too much carbon dioxide. Over time, the body becomes overly sensitive to CO\u2082 buildup. Even slight increases trigger the urge to breathe.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"460\" data-attachment-id=\"5243\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/general-yoga\/breathing-technique-how-are-you-breathing-right-now\/attachment\/breathing-technique-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-3.webp\" data-orig-size=\"690,460\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Breathing Technique 3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-3-300x200.webp\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-3.webp\" src=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-3.webp\" alt=\"Breathing Technique 3\" class=\"wp-image-5243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-3.webp 690w, https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Breathing-Technique-3-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Low CO\u2082 tolerance is often linked to:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chronic stress&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anxiety&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over-breathing habits&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Test:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sit comfortably.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breathe normally for 1 minute.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After a normal exhale (not forced), hold your breath.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start a timer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stop at the&nbsp;<strong>first urge to breathe<\/strong>&nbsp;(not maximum effort).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Track It:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>E (Easy):<\/strong>&nbsp;25+ seconds&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>T (Tight):<\/strong>&nbsp;Under 20 seconds&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stop&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;if you feel dizzy, anxious, or lightheaded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Modification Notes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Skip Test 3 if you:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have asthma or COPD&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are pregnant&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Experience panic disorder&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If breath awareness increases anxiety, that itself is meaningful feedback. You are not excluded from this practice.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you have chronic nasal congestion, note that mouth breathing may be anatomical \u2013 not purely habitual.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Your results are data, not judgements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Your Results Mean<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s&nbsp;what to notice:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If Test 1 Was Tight:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Restricted rib expansion often connects to:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rounded shoulders&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Forward head posture&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Desk-bound lifestyle&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tight chest muscles&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tight ribs usually mean a restricted thoracic spine.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If Test 2 Was Tight:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chest-dominant breathing can lead to the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chronic neck and shoulder tension&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased stress signals&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduced core stability&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fatigue&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If Test 3 Was Tight:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Low breath-hold capacity may&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chronic over-breathing&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High stress load&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anxiety patterns&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>None of these results mean something is &#8220;wrong&#8221;. They show where awareness begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why This Matters<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Breathing&nbsp;isn\u2019t&nbsp;just about oxygen.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It influences:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nervous system regulation&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Posture and spinal stability&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Energy levels&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mental clarity&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stress response&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>When breathing improves, everything else often follows.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because when you breathe better, you feel better, and when you feel better, you live better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-separator uagb-block-5b2b8ea6 coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"clipHorizontal\"><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-separator__inner\" style=\"--my-background-image:\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-40106824 default uagb-is-root-container\">\n<div id=\"megha-agarwal\" class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-d23ad15b default uagb-is-root-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-1843e854\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"554\" height=\"584\" data-attachment-id=\"5249\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/general-yoga\/breathing-technique-how-are-you-breathing-right-now\/attachment\/megha-agarwal\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Megha-Agarwal.webp\" data-orig-size=\"554,584\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Megha Agarwal\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Megha-Agarwal-285x300.webp\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Megha-Agarwal.webp\" src=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Megha-Agarwal.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Megha-Agarwal.webp 554w, https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Megha-Agarwal-285x300.webp 285w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 554px) 100vw, 554px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-696c26f4\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Megha Agarwal<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The author has done TTC from The Yoga Institute and LAAIC.&nbsp;She&nbsp;has been a yoga practitioner and a teacher for 5+&nbsp;years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/yogawith_megha_?igsh=aWJuNGN0dnVldTk5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Megha Agarwal<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-d213afe7 uagb-faq-icon-row uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-true uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-3d474189 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong>Why does my neck always feel tight after a long day at my desk? Is that a breathing thing?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Surprisingly, yes. When you\u00a0don&#8217;t\u00a0use your diaphragm (Test 2), your body recruits &#8220;secondary respiratory muscles&#8221; in your neck and shoulders to help lift your ribcage. Imagine doing 22,000 tiny shrugs a day\u2014that\u2019s\u00a0exactly what your neck is doing. By shifting the work back to your ribs and diaphragm,\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0effectively giving your neck and shoulders a permanent day off.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-00542e23 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong>I failed the breath-hold test (Test 3) miserably. Does this mean I have &#8220;weak lungs&#8221;?<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Test 3 is less about your lung size and more about your brain\u2019s &#8220;CO\u2082 thermostat&#8221;. If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0a chronic shallow breather, your brain becomes hypersensitive to carbon dioxide and sends a panic signal to breathe sooner than necessary. Improving this score\u00a0isn&#8217;t\u00a0about &#8220;holding out&#8221; longer;\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0about calming your nervous system, so your body\u00a0doesn&#8217;t\u00a0view every minor CO\u2082 buildup as an emergency.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-56696b41 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\"><strong><strong>Can I &#8220;fix&#8221; my breathing just by stretching, or do I need to do specific exercises?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>It\u2019s a two-way street. If your ribs are physically &#8220;stuck&#8221; (Test 1),\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0hard to breathe deeply. Conversely, if you\u00a0don&#8217;t\u00a0breathe deeply, your ribs will stay stuck.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8211; By Megha Agarwal You do it&nbsp;roughly 22,000&nbsp;times a day without a second thought. But here is the catch: most of us are remarkably bad at it. We obsess over our step counts, our protein intake, and the mobility of our hips, yet we overlook the one physiological function that powers every single cell in&hellip;<\/p>\n<a class=\"read-more-link\" href=\" https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/general-yoga\/breathing-technique-how-are-you-breathing-right-now\/ \">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":20013588,"featured_media":5240,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5304402],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5233","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-yoga","col-sm-6"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique.webp","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique.webp",1317,878,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-300x200.webp",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-768x512.webp",740,493,true],"large":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-1024x683.webp",740,494,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique.webp",1317,878,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique.webp",1317,878,false],"newspack-article-block-landscape-large":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-1200x878.webp",1200,878,true],"newspack-article-block-portrait-large":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-900x878.webp",900,878,true],"newspack-article-block-square-large":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-1200x878.webp",1200,878,true],"newspack-article-block-landscape-medium":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-800x600.webp",800,600,true],"newspack-article-block-portrait-medium":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-600x800.webp",600,800,true],"newspack-article-block-square-medium":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-800x800.webp",800,800,true],"newspack-article-block-landscape-intermediate":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-600x450.webp",600,450,true],"newspack-article-block-portrait-intermediate":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-450x600.webp",450,600,true],"newspack-article-block-square-intermediate":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-600x600.webp",600,600,true],"newspack-article-block-landscape-small":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-400x300.webp",400,300,true],"newspack-article-block-portrait-small":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-300x400.webp",300,400,true],"newspack-article-block-square-small":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-400x400.webp",400,400,true],"newspack-article-block-landscape-tiny":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-200x150.webp",200,150,true],"newspack-article-block-portrait-tiny":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-150x200.webp",150,200,true],"newspack-article-block-square-tiny":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-200x200.webp",200,200,true],"newspack-article-block-uncropped":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-1200x800.webp",1200,800,true],"ippo-archive-featured-image":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-690x460.webp",690,460,true],"ippo-carousel-slider-image":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique.webp",1317,878,false],"ippo-sticky-featured-image":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-800x533.webp",800,533,true],"ippo-single-featured-image":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique.webp",1317,878,false],"jetpack-portfolio-admin-thumb":["https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Banner-Breathing-Technique-50x50.webp",50,50,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By Megha Agarwal You do it&nbsp;roughly 22,000&nbsp;times a day without a second thought. But here is the catch: most of us are remarkably bad at it. We obsess over our step counts, our protein intake, and the mobility of our hips, yet we overlook the one physiological function that powers every single cell in&hellip;","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfTPB5-1mp","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20013588"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5233"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5233\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5252,"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5233\/revisions\/5252"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yoga.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}