Mind & Mood

Take a breather

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Breathing exercises can help you counter stressful situations.

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Every day, the average person takes about 22,000 breaths. Each inhalation fills the lungs with oxygen-rich air that fuels every bodily function, from your pumping heart to your flexing muscles and everything in between.

Most often breathing follows a smooth, steady rhythm. When you are active, your breathing rate increases to meet the demand for extra energy. But sometimes, normal breathing turns erratic.

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About the Author

photo of Matthew Solan

Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Matthew Solan is the executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. He previously served as executive editor for UCLA Health’s Healthy Years and as a contributor to Duke Medicine’s Health News and Weill Cornell Medical College’s … See Full Bio
View all posts by Matthew Solan

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