Understanding your ideal respiratory rate and the benefits of slow breathing

Respiratory rate

Respiratory rate refers to the number of breaths a person takes in a minute. The normal range for adults is 12 to 20 breaths per minute, but this can vary depending on a person's age, activity level, and overall health.

To determine your normal respiratory rate, you can find a quiet place where you can sit or lie down comfortably. Focus on your breathing and count the number of breaths you take in one minute. To make the count more accurate, you can use a stopwatch or a timer. Alternatively, you can also place your hand on your chest or abdomen and count the number of rises in one minute.

Slow breathing

The practice of slow breathing has recently been gaining popularity. It refers to the practice of taking slow, deep breaths in a controlled and deliberate manner. This type of breathing has been shown to have numerous health benefits:

• reducing stress and anxiety
• improving sleep quality
• lowering blood pressure

Slow breathing is beneficial because it decreases the respiratory rate. By inhaling deeply and slowly, you can reduce the rate at which you breathe, leading to a calming effect on the body. Breathing slower causes certain hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, to come out and help the body handle stress.

In addition to its stress-reducing effects, slow breathing has also been shown to improve respiratory efficiency. When we take slow, deep breaths, our lungs are able to fully expand, allowing them to take in more oxygen and release more carbon dioxide. This increased exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide helps to improve our overall respiratory function, making us feel more energized and refreshed.

How to slow down your respiratory rate? Let moonbird help you!

The physical, handheld breathing guide expands and contracts in your hand. Simply follow its rhythm with your breathing and you'll be more relaxed in just a few minutes. We also provide real-time biofeedback via the moonbird app so you can see the impact of the exercises on your body. You can also let moonbird calculate your ideal respiratory rate that relaxes your body the most.

By combining the intuitive breathing guidance with the biofeedback, moonbird helps you to connect your mind and body and calm down, or fall asleep fast. Whenever, wherever.

Try moonbird for 30 days risk-free, with no obligation. You only pay when you decide to keep your moonbird. The most important thing for us is that moonbird really works for you.