Numbered or Labelled Breathing

Numbered Breathing is a breathwork exercise that can help you gain control over your breathing pattern and increase your lung capacity. The technique requires you to inhale and exhale in the ratio of 1:1, while you increase the counts in each consecutive cycle. 

Numbered breathing can help you gain control over your breathing pattern and increase your lung capacity. It is often recommended for singers and athletes. In a nutshell, the technique requires you to inhale and exhale in a ratio of 1:1, while you increase the counts in each consecutive cycle.  

How to do numbered or labelled breathing 

These are the steps to follow:  

1. Stand up, stay still, and close your eyes. 

2. Inhale deeply, until you cannot take in any more air. 

3. Exhale until all air has been emptied from your lungs. 

4. Keep your eyes closed! Now, inhale again while picturing the number 1. 

5. Keep the air in your lungs for a few seconds, then let it all out. 

6. Inhale again, while picturing the number 2. 

7. Hold your breath while counting silently to 3, and then let it all out again. 

8. Repeat these steps until you’ve reached 8. Feel free to count higher, if you feel comfortable. 

Note:  

You can also do this technique by labeling the in-breath and out-breath as in and out.  

Source:  

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/diaphragmatic-breathing#steps-to-do