The dreaded afternoon slump gets in the way of productivity for most of us. Whether it’s work that needs completing, chores that need tackling, or moments that you need to be alert while watching your kids, fatigue can get the better of us and zap our energy. Thankfully, breathing exercises have been shown to help beat fatigue and increase energy, giving us the “pick me up” we need to tackle whatever the day throws our way. Most of us don’t breathe efficiently throughout the day. In fact, most people breathe through the mouth, which zaps our energy and forces our bodies to work harder than they need to. Breathing exercises, which focus on optimal breathing and slowing down our breath rate, correct our oxygen exchange and bring the body back to its peak operating state.

The Oxygen Advantage, created by Patrick McKeown, is largely recognized and followed in the breathwork community. But what is it and how can it help to boost our health?

We all breathe to live, and none of us give much thought to the way we do it. But did you know that improper breathing can worsen symptoms of anxiety, while proper breathing can reduce anxiety altogether? Panic attacks and stress worsen our breathing patterns.

Strengthening your immune system can be as simple as fixing your breathing! Use these nasal breathing exercises to ensure that you filter out bacteria and foreign particles with every breath you take.

If you breathe through your mouth, you could be on the fast track to high blood pressure and a whole host of other problems. By using these nasal breathing exercises instead, you can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers stress and decreases blood pressure.