COVID Breathing Exercises for Recovery
Discover effective COVID breathing exercises to support lung recovery, improve oxygen levels, and boost overall respiratory health during and after illness. Safe techniques for faster healing at home.
Written by Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 18th Aug, 2025
Recovering from COVID-19 can be challenging, especially if you experience lingering breathlessness, fatigue, or weakness. Breathing exercises play a crucial role in strengthening your lungs, improving oxygen flow, and helping you regain stamina. Whether you're recovering from a mild or severe infection, these simple yet effective exercises can speed up your healing process.
Why Are Breathing Exercises Important After COVID?
COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, sometimes causing lung inflammation, reduced lung capacity, and difficulty in breathing. Even after recovery, some people continue to experience:
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Chest tightness
Persistent cough
Breathing exercises help by:
Strengthening lung muscles
Increasing oxygen levels
Reducing stress and anxiety
Improving overall stamina
Simple Breathing Exercises for COVID Recovery
Here are some easy-to-follow breathing techniques that can help you recover faster:
1. Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing)
This exercise helps engage the diaphragm, improving oxygen intake and reducing breathlessness.
How to do it:
Sit or lie down comfortably with one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
Breathe in slowly through your nose, letting your belly rise (your chest should stay still).
Exhale gently through pursed lips (as if blowing out a candle).
Repeat for 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
2. Pursed-Lip Breathing
This technique helps slow down breathing, keeping airways open longer and reducing shortness of breath.
How to do it:
Inhale slowly through your nose for 2 seconds.
Purse your lips (like you're about to whistle) and exhale slowly for 4-6 seconds.
Repeat for 5-10 minutes, several times a day.
3. Box Breathing (4-4-4-4 Technique)
This method helps calm the mind and regulate breathing, reducing stress and improving lung function.
How to do it:
Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Exhale slowly for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath again for 4 seconds.
Repeat for 5-10 cycles.
Consult Top Specialists
4. Deep Breathing with Arm Raises
This exercise improves lung expansion and circulation.
How to do it:
Sit or stand with your arms at your sides.
Inhale deeply while slowly raising your arms overhead.
Hold for a few seconds, then exhale while lowering your arms.
Repeat 5-10 times.
5. Huff Cough Technique
This helps clear mucus from the lungs if you have a lingering cough.
How to do it:
Take a deep breath in.
Forcefully exhale in short "huffs" (like fogging a mirror).
Repeat 2-3 times, then cough gently to clear mucus.
Additional Tips for Faster Recovery
1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking warm water helps thin mucus and keeps airways moist.
2. Walk Daily: Gentle walking improves circulation and lung function.
3. Avoid Smoking & Pollution: These can further irritate your lungs.
4. Eat a Balanced Diet: Include protein, vitamins (especially C and D), and antioxidants.
5. Monitor Oxygen Levels: Use a pulse oximeter to check SpO2 levels (normal range: 95-100%).
When to Seek Medical Help?
If you experience:
Severe breathlessness even at rest
Oxygen levels below 92%
Bluish lips or face
Extreme fatigue or dizziness
Consult a doctor immediately.
Need Personalised Guidance?
If you're recovering from COVID-19 and need expert advice, Apollo 24|7 offers consultations with pulmonologists and physiotherapists who can guide you through a structured recovery plan.
Conclusion
Breathing exercises are a simple yet powerful way to regain lung strength after COVID-19. With patience and consistency, you can improve your breathing, reduce fatigue, and return to your daily activities with confidence. Stay positive, take it slow, and prioritize your recovery—your lungs will thank you!
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Dr. Sandhya Chandel
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(100+ Patients)
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Practitioner
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Vishal Kumar H
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, master class in critical care medicine, Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Non Invasive Cardiology, certificate course in Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke, Certificate course in Common Mental Disorder
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru
Dr. Mijanur Rahaman Mondal
General Practitioner
3 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
