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Positions of Comfort

When you have trouble breathing, you may panic and begin to breathe rapidly. As you become nervous and short of breath, you begin to use you shoulder and neck muscles and by breathing fast you use extra energy, and you trap air in your lungs. As you trap more air in your lungs, you will become short of breath.

When you feel yourself getting short of breath, the first thing to do is to get comfortable and relax your shoulder and neck muscles. Learning the correct method of sitting in a chair, standing, energy conservation and the relaxation technique will help you get comfortable and relax.

Sitting in a Chair, First Position
Lean forward and rest your elbows on your knees. Keep your hands and shoulders relaxed and your back straight.
Sitting in a Chair, Second Position
 Lean forward, rest your shoulders, arms and head on a pillow placed on a table in front of you. When short of breath for a prolonged period of time, this position is helpful and you may be able to sleep like this. Support the upper chest and head on pillows. Keep your back straight.

Standing
If you become short of breath while walking and there is no place to sit down, do one of the following:

Standing First Position
Standing either lean forward with forearms on a chair or other handy object with shoulders and arms relaxed.

Standing Second Position
if you find the above position awkward, then lean with your back against the wall, with your feet about 12 inches from the wall and your knees and trunk slightly bent.

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Energy Conservation
You will save energy, reduce shortness of breath and conserve your breath if you pace yourself when walking or doing any activity. Use pursed-lip and abdominal breathing and apply these simple techniques:
Walk on your whole foot rather than on the ball of your foot.
Hold the railing climbing stairs, and rest by stopping with both feet on the same step.

Rest when tired. If you are outside, lean against posts, trees, telephone poles, railings, mailboxes or walls.

Shop frequently for small amounts rather than occasionally for large amounts. Sit on a chair or stool for as many activities as possible such as preparing food, washing dishes or taking a shower. Use waist-high shelves for often-used items.