Maintaining appropriate blood oxygen levels isn’t just for patients requiring a finger pulse oximeter. This key factor in your overall fitness should be maintained regardless of what your health goals are. Here are a few basic steps you can follow in order to improve your overall blood oxygen levels.

1) Find better air.

If you’re living in a highly polluted area, you may be suffering from lower blood oxygen levels than are ideal. Much more importantly, you need to be certain that you’re not bringing any bad air into your life. If you’re a smoker, quit. If you add any air pollutants, such as heavy perfume, cleaners, and so forth, either avoid the area for a while after or stop altogether.

2) Do deep breathing exercises.

There are a number of breathing exercises that can help you improve your oxygen levels. These range from simple “sitting and breathing” tasks to more complex activities, such as yoga. This practice can also help you improve your breathing habits in other situations.

3) Improve your posture.

Poor posture makes you look like a slouch and it prevents your lungs from filling up completely. Adjust your posture in order to resolve this. If needed, do muscle training for any weak areas that are preventing appropriate posture.

4) Exercise regularly.

This one should be pretty obvious. If your heart or lungs aren’t healthy, a good blood oxygen level will be impossible. Get involved in a reasonable cardio fitness regimen that pushes your limits without ignoring them.

5) See a doctor.

If you have any extreme issues with blood oxygen levels, it’s important that you talk to a doctor. They will be able to examine your overall health and advise appropriate nutritional supplements and activities. In the more extreme cases, advanced treatment such as oxygen therapy may be suggested.