Your brain needs a constant supply of oxygen for its proper functioning. Additionally, each cell in your body needs glucose and oxygen to create energy. Your brain uses approximately 25 percent of your oxygen intake, according to the California State University at Chico Neuroscience Department. Oxygen is essential for brain activity, which regulates your memory, balance, hormone production and mood, amongst other things. You intake oxygen through your breath, and when you exercise, your breathing rate increases 1. This boosts your oxygen intake, benefiting your entire body and brain 1. Contact your doctor if you feel you are experiencing oxygen deficiency 1.

Use Deep Breathing and Exercise

Inhale through your nose. Fill your abdomen with air first and then your chest.

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Pause for five seconds. Do this once you have taken in all the air possible before exhaling to prolong your breath and allow your body to absorb more oxygen, but only if it doesn’t cause you strain or make you dizzy.

Exhale through your nose. Empty your chest first as you slowly draw your abdomen inwards to let all the air out from your lungs. Begin and end your day by doing 20 to 25 rounds of this deep-breathing exercise 1.

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Do 30 to 40 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 1. Get active at least five times per week. This includes brisk walking, riding your bicycle, running, swimming and playing sports such as tennis and soccer. As your body needs more energy to perform these exercises, your body will automatically take deeper breaths that will oxygenate every cell in your body as well and improve your brain function.

Tips

Doing your daily breathing exercises may seem tiring at first, but the more you do them, the easier they will become. They may also begin to positively affect your overall breathing patterns.

Warnings

Consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements and terminate your exercise if you experience discomfort.