Stress management 'includes breathing sufficient oxygen'
Breathing correctly to bring in a sufficient amount of oxygen is important for stress management.
This is the opinion of chartered psychologist Sue Firth, who explained many people take shallow breaths, which may mean it is more likely they will find it difficult to cope under strain.
She suggested practising a technique whereby individuals take a deep breath, inhaling for five seconds, then exhale for the same amount of time.
"This not only brings in sufficient oxygen but makes sure adrenaline doesn't continuously panic the system thereby sending you into fight or flight," the expert stated.
Ms Firth said using this method can slow a person's heart rate and "re-energises the brain".
Portable oxygen has known to be useful for individuals who are under stress, which may encourage those considering practising the technique described by the specialist to give the product a try.
The psychologist also pointed to alternative therapies as a possible treatment for anxiety, including massage and acupuncture.
Going to a chiropractor could also be useful, because muscles and bones can be pushed out of place by tension in the body and such a professional could remedy this, she stated.
The treatment can also have similar effects as massage when it comes to undoing the results of being under too much strain, the specialist said.
She explained: "The benefits of massage have always been known and stress creates knots in the muscles from the chemical called cortisol."
Meanwhile, acupuncture could be a good treatment to choose for people who are suffering from aches as a result of anxiety, as the expert remarked the method is effective at relieving pain.
Ms Firth's comments follow the publication of research in the journal Science Translational Medicine showing massage is also a good way to relax.
The study, conducted by scientists from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario, found the treatment reduces inflammation and encourages the development of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle.
Posted by Stewart Elliott
13/02/2012 12:57:07
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