As we age, our lung capacity decreases. This means less oxygen enters our bodies. Oxygen is responsible for all physical and mental functions of the body. Among its functions, oxygen provides energy, promotes blood circulation and reduces stress. There are many exercises that can be done to promote better breathing and improve your oxygen supply.
Simple Breathing
To increase the flow of oxygen in the body, the American Nutrition website suggests performing a simple breathing exercise. Start by clearing your mind and urging yourself to completely relax. Take a slow, deep breath, allowing your lungs to fill with air. Very slowly, release the air and then inflate your lungs again. Repeat about 10 or 15 times in a row. Try to do this exercise between two and five times a day.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing exercises help you to breathe from the abdomen rather than the upper chest. Deep chest breathing helps you to inhale more oxygen into your lungs. More oxygen equals less stress, tension and shortness of breath.
To do a deep breathing exercise, start by sitting comfortably. Keep your back straight and place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Inhale through the nose, feeling your stomach rise. Try not to let the hand on your chest rise very much. Blow out the breath through your mouth, using your abdominal muscles to empty out as much air as possible. Again, the goal is to feel your stomach move, not your chest. Continue inhaling through the nose and out via the mouth for about 10 minutes.
Assisted Breathing Exercise
The Muscular Dystrophy Association recommends an exercise that mimics the physical action required for deep breathing. To do an assisted breathing exercise, begin by lying on your back, breathing as deeply as possible. Have your partner reach around you as if giving you a large hug. Your partner should then lift you up slightly by the center of your back. This motion will cause your chest to rise forward and your shoulders to arch backward.
Breathe in as much as possible during this hold. As you exhale, have your partner surround your rib cage with his hands and move them to the front of your body. He should gently squeeze and release your body until he gets to the front of your rib cage. This helps push the air out of all lung pockets as you exhale. Continue until you feel that you are breathing fully 100 percent on your own.
