For maximum efficiency while diving, your breathing should be slightly _______ and _______ than normal.

When diving, your breathing should be slightly slower and deeper than normal for maximum efficiency. This approach ensures that you are utilizing your lungs to their full capacity, allowing for better oxygen exchange and more effective removal of carbon dioxide. Slow, deep breaths help to calm the body, reduce feelings of anxiety or panic, and lower your metabolic rate, which can be crucial in conserving air supply during a dive.

Breathing deeply increases the volume of air that reaches the lower parts of the lungs, where the most efficient gas exchange occurs. Additionally, slower breaths help to optimize the oxygen intake, enabling a steady flow of oxygen to the bloodstream while minimizing the risk of hyperventilation, which can lead to dizziness and other complications underwater. Overall, this technique contributes to a more relaxed and controlled diving experience, essential for safety and enjoyment.