Breathing Control Skills

Today I would like to continue our "mini-series" and talk about the effective alternatives to the formal exercise programs and for long term follow-up exercise.

This is based on a simple technique that if you have breathing control skills and can control your exertion dyspnea, than you will not be afraid of becoming short of breath. And.... if you are not afraid of developing uncontrolled dyspnea you will become more active, because you want to become more active and therefore you will do the many desirable things that you previously could not do. You may be thinking.... "well, it's easier said than done!!" But as you regain your ability to do more and more activities of daily living, you will develop more and more strength doing these activities. You will become stronger in body and mind, feeling more sure of yourself and also feeling much better about yourself.

Be proud... you worked hard in your pulmonary rehabilitation program. And then you continued and took it a step further... you learned "breathing control skills".

Many home bound people with COPD find that with reconditioning and improving breathing control skills they can participate in family activities, or climb stairs once again. And with further progress they can begin activities outside of the home such as; visiting friends or going shopping. But all of this involves progressive exercise, which is a natural part of simply becoming more active. And a tip to "brighten your day"... this form of exercise is usually neither boring or unpleasant!!

I am going to leave you with that bit of knowledge for today.
Please check in tomorrow as I will talk about "Structured Home Exercise - Yoga Training".

I would like to encourage you all to please post and tell us about your exercise program, or send in any questions that you may have. I am sure we have many "exercise friends" who can share their stories.

Breathe well tonight my friends... 1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale

Sandy