Posture and its Impact on Breathing

The “B” in my book, “The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis,” stands for “Breathing.” To breathe our best we need to create space in our body by lengthening our spine. In other words, by improving our posture.

During a 2021 patient bronchiectasis conference, Dr. Jonathan Whiteson, Medical Director of the NYU Langone Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation department, repeatedly mentioned the connection between  good posture and lung health.

Improving posture begins with believing it is critical to your well-being. It means that you too believe that sitting, standing and walking more upright will lead to better breathing and many other benefits including:

* More confidence
* Less coughing
* Less feeling short of breath
* Better digestion including less gastric reflux
* More stability while walking
* Fewer joint issues

Like any new habit, improving your posture will require daily practice. For example, write the phrase “lengthen your spine” or “sit with better posture” on a slip of paper and put it on the table when you eat, or when you are at your desk or watching TV.

Observe what might be getting in your way of sitting, standing and walking more upright. See what you can do to address these challenges.

In my book, “The BE CLEAR Method,” I demonstrate 10 exercises to improve your strength and alignment. Some people with BE have spinal issues such as scoliosis and kyphosis, but understanding the importance of posture and making small changes to better align the spine, will make a difference over time.

As your body begins to elongate you will feel the difference. Your breath will have more room to naturally flow more evenly and deeply.


#bronchiectasis #copd #breathing #posture