(soft music) - Hi, my name is Allison Wishcoiak and I'm a first year grad student at Binghamton University studying vocal performance.

As a vocalist, deep conscious breathing is essential to good technique but there are also ways that this type of breathing can benefit us in everyday life.

Maybe you've never thought about the way you're breathing before.

Deep breathing is known to reduce stress, increase energy and even lower blood pressure.

Take a moment with me to do some deep breathing.

The first of two techniques I'll show you today is called pursed lip breathing.

First, you'll breathe in through your nose for three counts.

Then purse your lips as if you're sucking through a straw and slowly breathe out of your mouth for three counts.

Breathe along with me.

You can close your eyes if you feel comfortable.

Breathe in through your nose, one, two, three.

Breathe out through your mouth, one, two, three.

In, one, two, three.

Out, one, two, three.

In, one, two, three.

Out, one, two, three.

Great job.

Another technique I like to use is called closed nostril breathing.

First, take one finger and close one nostril.

Breathe in through your nose.

Then switch and close the other nostril with your other finger, and breathe out through your nose.

Now breathe in through that same nostril.

Switch fingers and breathe out through your nose again.

Breathe along with me this time.

(soft music) Great job.

How do you feel?

Doing these techniques once a day or even a few times a week can be very beneficial towards your mental health and wellbeing.

Thanks for joining me for a creative moment.

- [Announcer] Funding for this program is provided in part by the New York State Education Department.

(soft music)