Breathing is one of the first things that people are taught during yoga classes, or meditation sessions with a guru. The way you breathe is also focused on during physical therapy, during exercise, and during singing lessons or acting classes.

When last did you consider the value of your breathing in bridge?

Breathing matters. When your breathing is restricted, impaired, or out of rhythm, it affects you on a physical and mental level. How you breathe during bridge has more to do with your game than you might think.

Often, we don’t spare a second thought for the action of breathing until someone mentions it.

Are you thinking more consciously about your breathing right now?

Well, that’s why I mentioned it in the first place.

Here are 5 things that happen when you breathe (during online bridge).

1: Breathing Oxygenates

The simple action of breathing happens because the body needs oxygen and its other components. Most people, especially bridge players, already know this.

The flow of oxygen to the brain also improves the capacity of what the mind is able to achieve at that very point.

When you breathe better, you think better.

If your air quality is strained in any way, it’s going to change your game.

2: Breathing Relaxes

Breathing exercises are the first thing that they teach you in many disciplines including acting, singing, yoga, and therapy. Specific breathing exercises can even be taught after surgery – and I’ve learned a few.

Just a few breaths going in-and-out slowly is enough to relax tense muscles (and a panicked mind).

Yes, it works.

Try it during a bridge game when you need to think of the next trick. You’ll see.

3: Breathing Focuses

I’ve played my worst bridge games when I wasn’t fully concentrating on the game.

It’s hard to think of the next trick when you’re stuck on the shopping list (or other work and home worries).

Listen to the Beatles and Let It Be.

Breathe in-and-out, and try again.

You’ll focus better for it.

4: Breathing Betters Flow

Improper blood flow is dangerous, and it can be one of the most common issues dangerous to a bridge player’s health.

The average bridge game involves a lot of sitting down in one place. Nobody runs while they’re playing bridge – at least not that I’ve heard of so far. But just like long flights, it can impact your circulation.

Breathe.

It’s one of the things that guarantees better blood flow.

Remember to combine it with the right amount of stretching between hands.

5: Breathing Opens Pathways

The increased blood flow that you’ll get from breathing better (or most simple breathing exercises involving deliberate, slower breathing) won’t just feel great – they’re useful.

When flow to the brain is increased, you might see moves that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Oxygen (and generally, taking in the air more deliberately) can push more air to the “thinking” sections of the mind.

Have you ever realized how you can’t appear to think straight in a stuffy environment (or the middle of a panic attack)?

It’s not just an illusion. Remember to breathe – and remember what it can do during your next bridge game.