Stress

Do you ever have one of those days where you feel stressed? I guess that’s almost a rhetorical question since I already know the answer—everybody gets stressed, even the ones who don’t show it.

I heard recently that one of the ways human beings react to stress is by taking irregular, shallow breaths. Perhaps that’s why I do a lot of sighing when I’m frustrated! I’m trying to boost my dilapidated oxygen levels.

The reduced amount of oxygen when we’re stressed is one of the reasons that exercise works as a tonic to stress. Aerobic exercise regulates our breathing. The deep breathing helps the lungs and the gives our entire body a boost of wellness.

In the 1990s, oxygen bars became a new phenomenon. Proponents claim that inhaling increased oxygen will strengthen the immune system and lessen headaches and sinus problems; reduce stress and relax the body; and boost concentration by increasing energy and alertness.

I’ve never had the opportunity to try the experience myself. Oh wait—perhaps I have through a natural process called exercise. I don’t want to be overly simplistic, but sometimes the solution to problems doesn’t get better with new ideas. For me, the simple yet effective remedy to stress is prayer and exercise.