{"id":61749,"date":"2026-02-24T02:58:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T02:58:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=61749"},"modified":"2026-02-24T02:58:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T02:58:26","slug":"effective-breathing-techniques-in-skydiving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/effective-breathing-techniques-in-skydiving\/","title":{"rendered":"Effective Breathing Techniques in Skydiving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How controlled breathing improves performance, reduces anxiety, and helps skydivers stay calm, focused, and effective in the moments that matter most<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Humans can survive roughly three weeks without food and three to five days without water, but we cannot endure more than three or four minutes without oxygen reaching our brains. Unfortunately, breathing often lacks the recognition it deserves and is not practiced in the same way we train our muscles or technical skills. The very first action we take at birth is to breathe, as we exit the womb, and the last action we perform at the end of our lives is to exhale. Many experts believe lung capacity serves as an important indicator of our longevity, along with a strong VO\u2082 Max.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While breathing is typically an unconscious act, it provides numerous benefits when practiced consciously<\/a>. Simple breathing exercises can help promote relaxation, manage anxiety, confront fears, induce sleep, boost energy levels, and regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Furthermore, it offers a natural and non-invasive method to adjust the blood\u2019s pH levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyperventilation: Understanding Its Impact<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While breathing is a natural and involuntary process, many people develop habits of improper breathing, with hyperventilation being a common example. This condition is marked by shallow and excessive breathing, often occurring through the mouth and chest rather than through the nose and abdomen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The primary aims of breathing is to expel excess carbon dioxide (CO\u2082) from the body and to oxygenate our organs, cells, tissues and muscles. However, during hyperventilation, an excessive amount of CO\u2082 is expelled, causing hemoglobin to retain oxygen (O\u2082) rather than releasing it into the tissues. Consequently, this leads to reduced oxygenation of bodily tissues and organs, resulting in feelings of fatigue and a lack of energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Breathing is as much of a tool as walking a jump
Photo by Coell Fly Studios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Mouth Breathing vs Nasal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the most prevalent problems is mouth breathing, especially during sleep. This type of breathing can lead to various negative effects. For example, it frequently causes dry mouth at night, which increases acidity levels in the mouth, thus heightening the risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, mouth breathing can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the oral cavity, leading to halitosis, or bad breath. Moreover, those who breathe through their mouths are more likely to experience louder snoring and a greater risk of sleep apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optimal breathing should occur through the nose, as it provides 50% more resistance to airflow, resulting in enhanced oxygen absorption. The nostrils warm and humidify the incoming air, facilitating its passage through the airways and into the lungs. Furthermore, nasal breathing helps filter the inhaled air, removing germs, bacteria, dust, and other particles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nose also functions as a reservoir of nitric oxide, which contributes to the dilation of the airways and blood vessels. This promotes neurotransmission, boosts immunity, and facilitates optimal breathing. In addition, it helps keep arteries flexible, prevents hypertension and decreases the risk of arterial obstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diaphragmatic Breathing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Chest breathing is a common mistake, as it activates the sympathetic nervous system, which is associated with stress and the \u201cfight or flight\u201d response. In contrast, proper breathing involves abdominal breathing, which engages the diaphragm. This technique promotes relaxation and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating a quicker return to calmness after stressful situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the Nervous System and Its Relationship to Breathing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Without going into too many technicalities, it\u2019s fascinating to understand how our nervous system operates, especially when it comes to breathing and our levels of nervousness, anxiety, and arousal. The primary function of this system is the control of unconscious and involuntary processes, such as breathing, blood circulation, and digestion. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is divided into two parts: the Sympathetic System and the Parasympathetic System.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sympathetic System<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The sympathetic system is activated in situations of alarm and stress, preparing the body for action and facilitating the fight-or-flight response to threatening stimuli. To achieve this, it releases stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol, which causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, allowing blood to flow to the extremities, which are essential for running or fighting. In relation to breathing, it is important to remember that inspiration stimulates the sympathetic system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keeping the nervous system regulated can greatly impact your flying
Photo by Coell Fly Studios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Parasympathetic Nervous System<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for returning the body to a resting state. This system is responsible for functions such as digestion, reproduction, and sex. It releases acetylcholine and reduces the effects of stress hormones, regulating and slowing down our body, which lowers heart rate and blood pressure. In other words, it deals with the regeneration of the body. In terms of breathing, it is the extended exhalation that activates the parasympathetic system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun Jumping and Breathing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It is common for many skydivers, whether beginners or experienced, to feel fear and even some anxiety when jumping. Often, they can face fear and experience anxiety at three specific times:<\/p>\n\n\n\n