When your lungs aren’t working the way they used to, even something as natural as breathing can feel complicated.
Simple tasks may leave you winded, anxious, or searching for calm. That’s why gentle breathwork practices can be such a gift. They aren’t about “fixing” your lungs or forcing them to perform like they once did. Instead, they help you find small, manageable ways to ease breathlessness, release tension, and bring your body back into balance.
Think of these practices as tiny anchors: steady tools that remind you that you’re not powerless, you’re still in control of your breath.
Why Breathwork Helps People with COPD and Lung Conditions
For people with COPD, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, or anyone living with limited lung function, breathing can sometimes feel like a battle. Breathwork isn’t a cure, but it is a supportive ally.
Gentle breathing techniques can help you:
- Ease breathlessness in the moment
- Calm anxiety and panic (which often worsen shortness of breath)
- Improve oxygen exchange
- Relax tight chest muscles
- Create a daily ritual of calm and resilience
Most importantly, breathwork reminds you that your breath is still yours, it can be a friend, not a foe.
Personally, I ritualise my breathwork when I can and do it maybe 10-20 mins or so after I’ve digested breakfast and before I start exercise.
I think of it as a warm-up and prep before working out. That’s not to say I do it every day (purleaaase, some days I have limited “spoons” or energy to do it all!). But I’m trying to make it a good habit to ensure I keep my lungs clear and strong.
To complement the breathing, you can also use OPEP devices to help thin, shear and dislodge any mucus if you’re feeling productive.
The Aerobika or AirPhysio is particularly good. If you are in the UK, you can usually get the Aerobika on the NHS or from your Physio / Oxygen Specialist team.
Simple Breathwork Exercises You Can Try
1. Pursed-Lip Breathing (for easing breathlessness)
This slows down your breathing and keeps your airways open longer.
- Inhale gently through your nose for 2 seconds.
- Purse your lips (as if blowing out a candle).
- Exhale slowly through pursed lips for 4 seconds.
Best for: moments of breathlessness during activity, such as climbing stairs or walking.
I often do this anyway when I’m exercising. I inhale slowly for 2 and exhale for 4 using pursed lips. And I actually learned this is the best way when exercising anyway, from training videos at the Noah Greenspan’s Pulmonary Wellness site.
2. Box Breathing (for calming anxiety)
This exercise calms your nervous system and lowers stress.
- Inhale through your nose for 3 seconds.
- Hold gently for 3 seconds.
- Exhale through pursed lips for 3 seconds.
- Pause for 3 seconds.
Imagine drawing a square in your mind with each breath.
3. Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing (for deeper breathing)
Illness often shifts breathing higher into the chest. This brings the breath back to the diaphragm.
- Place one hand on your belly, the other on your chest.
- Inhale slowly through your nose, letting your belly rise.
- Exhale gently through pursed lips, letting your belly fall.
Try for 1–2 minutes while seated or lying down.
4. The Huff Cough (for clearing mucus)
This is especially useful for people with COPD who produce phlegm. It should be done after your gentler breath practices, almost like a “cool down.”
- Take a medium breath in.
- Hold it for 2–3 seconds.
- Exhale sharply with an open mouth, saying “huff” (like you’re fogging up a window).
Repeat 2–3 times to loosen mucus without straining your chest.
Making Breathwork a Daily Ritual
You don’t need a long practice. Even 2–5 minutes a day can be enough to shift your body and mind. You might pair breathwork with:
- Your morning tea / coffee or after breakfast
- A rest break after activity
- A calming moment before bed
These rituals support your lungs, but they also nurture your spirit, reminding you that peace and presence are still within reach.
Go Deeper with Guided Support
If you’d like step-by-step instructions, simple visuals, and relaxing Spotify playlists, you’ll find them in my Breathe Easy Guide.
Or, for a complete toolkit of support, including breathwork, COPD-friendly recipes, and pulmonary rehab, you can explore my Wellness Bundle.
Breathing might not always be easy, but it can still be gentle. Each inhale and exhale is a quiet victory, a reminder that life is not just measured in the number of breaths we take, but in the moments we find calm within them.
Gentle Reminder and Medical Disclaimer
The practices shared here are meant to support and inspire, but they’re not a substitute for medical care. Everyone’s lungs and health journey are unique, so please check in with your doctor, respiratory nurse, or healthcare team before trying new breathwork techniques. Listen to your body, go at your own pace, and seek professional advice when needed.
Lungevity 