We need to breathe to stay alive. For some of us, this process is simple and we don’t think too much about it. For others, it’s a constant struggle that requires a lot of concentration and effort.

For all of us, it’s important we’re aware that there’s a right—and wrong—way to breathe. If you suffer from a lung condition, like pulmonary fibrosis, these tips are even more critical.

1. You’re not exhaling enough when you exercise.

According to prevention.com, one of the key components of effective exercise is proper breathing, which can be even more difficult if you have a lung condition. When your body is challenged, most of us tense up, which restricts our breathing and forces us to take short, shallow breaths and not fully exhaling all of the carbon dioxide out of our lungs.  Make sure you focus just as much on the way you’re breathing as the physical activity you’re doing to get the most out of your exercise routine.

RELATED:  Former Yankee Bernie Williams raising awareness for pulmonary fibrosis to honor his late father.