5 best exercises to strengthen your lungs and boost respiratory health this winter

​Winter is coming and so are the multiple flu and viral infections that will be sending literally everyone into a coughing and sneezing fit at least once every month. This frequency of catching a cold might be due to the increasing temperatures, but our declining immunity also has a significant role in this stage. However, keeping the lungs in check with the help of some easy and impactful exercises can strengthen the immune system to prevent infections and diseases. Below, find 5 such exercises that will improve your respiratory health this winter.

Sit with your spine straight. Now use your thumb to block one nostril while inhaling through the other. Then repeat this with the other nostril. Practice this for 5-10 minutes every day to improve nasal airflow, lung capacity and balance the body's warming energy.

Begin by sitting or lying down comfortably. Then place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Now, inhale through your nose while letting the belly rise and then exhale gently through the same pathway. Do this exercise every morning for 5-10 minutes, letting the fresh air enter the lungs. It strengthens the diaphragm and reduces shallow chest breathing.

20-30 minutes of light jogging is a great cardio to get your lungs active, improving not only physical but also breathing stamina. The exercise helps deal with cold-induced breathlessness which is common during the winter season.

If you are struggling with breathing properly or are highly exerted after an energetic workout, then pursed lip breathing is a great way to calm the lungs down. Begin by inhaling through your nose and then pursing your lips and exhaling slowly through them. This is specifically effective in controlling breathlessness and when cold air triggers constriction in the lungs.

Stand straight with your hands on your hips. Now expand the ribs outwards while inhaling and hold for 5 counts. Now exhale slowly and get back to the starting position. This exercise helps expand the chest wall, clears mucus, and reduces stiffness which is common during a cold.