Diwali 2023: 5 breathing exercises to strengthen your lungs to withstand air pollution

As Diwali is a week away, it's important to prepare for it beforehand as it will not just bring happiness and joy with it but also lots of pollution. So, it's necessary to train our lungs to withstand the pollution especially if you are residing in Delhi-NCR or the surrounding areas. We have brought to you some yoga exercises that will help to strengthen your lungs and build immunity to fight pollution.

Exercises to strengthen your lungs

Anulom Vilom: It improves cardiovascular health, improves breathing and reduces stress. Use your thumb and index finger to guide your breathing. You sit with crossed legs and a straight spine. Keep one hand on your knees, use the thumb of the other hand to press one nostril, and inhale.

Kapalbhati: It restores balance in your body and flushes out toxins. Not just this, it also reduces stress, improves circulation of blood, makes kidney and liver function better and stimulates internal organs.  Sit straight and inhale normally. Next, exhale rapidly making your stomach going inside and coming out frequently.

Bhastrika: It relieves sinus and bronchitis. Also, it improves awareness of your surroundings and helps to find relief from other respiratory issues. Sit with your knees bent and feet touching your hips. Keep your back straight, make fists, and keep your hands on your shoulders. As you inhale, take your hands up while opening your fist. Then, exhale forcefully, you will bring down your hands on your shoulders, and make fists.

Vajrasana: If you suffer from acidity and gas frequently, it can be a relaxing exercise. Not just this, it also improves urinary problems and strengthens sexual organs. Get down on your knees and hands. Slowly retrieve into the sitting posture with your feet brought closer and knees bent. You will be sitting on your feet with your straight spine.

Bhujangasana: It helps in the reduction of fatigue, toned abdomen, flexibility, etc. It is particularly advised for people with respiratory issues like asthma. Lay down, pull your abdomen up, and stretch your neck backwards. It is one of the poses in Surya Namaskar.