Nasal breathing

Return to a relaxed mouth

When you're sitting, walking quietly, or looking at a screen, just check to see if your mouth hangs open out of habit. If the nose lets air pass easily, bring the lips together without tightening them and leave the jaw relaxed. There is no need to keep your teeth together or take particularly deep breaths.

A reminder, not a permanent exercise

Associate this cue with a few familiar moments, such as when you sit down at your desk or start a walk. Return to nasal breathing when you notice unnecessary mouth opening, then allow breathing to become automatic again. This approach is easier to maintain than monitoring each breath or setting a specific rhythm all day.

Check what is obstructing the passage of air

If you have to strain to breathe through your nose, don't reduce the problem to a lack of discipline. A cold, allergy or obstruction can obstruct the passage of air. A ready-to-use saline spray, used according to its instructions, can help depending on the situation. If the discomfort comes back often or persists, have the cause investigated rather than tightening your lips despite it.

During sport, monitor exercise needs

Keep breathing through your nose as long as it suits you, then also use your mouth when the effort increases. Ventilation needs change between a walk, a brisk run, and a tough set of bodybuilding. It is not necessary to make any activity exclusively nasal to benefit from sport: look for breathing that accompanies the effort.

At night: understand before looking for an accessory

A dry mouth when you wake up can have several causes, including mouth breathing. If it is accompanied by heavy snoring, observed breathing pauses or unusual sleepiness during the day, have the sleep checked. Mouth taping, which consists of closing the lips with an adhesive, is not a shortcut to recommend here: its benefits remain poorly established and it does not resolve nasal obstruction.