A review by imogenrobinson__
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
2.5
Nestor is clearly passionate about his subject area. This is an informative and well-researched book about how important the breath is to wellbeing. Would be good as an eye-opening introduction to how the breath is an invaluable tool. It can ease nasal congestion, warm the body, heal the body, calm anxiety, lower blood pressure... however I already sort of knew most of the facts, having studied and practised pranayama for a few years now. Still, some good reminders about how our entire bodies rely on the respiratory system and how our species has been trying to perfect it for centuries. Some helpful breathing techniques explained at the end too.
Key takeaways: mouth breathing and over breathing is very bad for you; you should try and breathe slowly and steadily through your nose as much as possible. However, breathing heavily in a certain way for a short period of time on purpose has its function too - it can snap you out of a funk and have lots of benefits. For peak efficiency, breathe in for 5.5 seconds, then breathe out for 5.5 seconds. This can be practised for a few minutes or a few hours.
Bottom line: breathing mindfully costs nothing and you can do it whenever you need. Never underestimate the power of breath!
Key takeaways: mouth breathing and over breathing is very bad for you; you should try and breathe slowly and steadily through your nose as much as possible. However, breathing heavily in a certain way for a short period of time on purpose has its function too - it can snap you out of a funk and have lots of benefits. For peak efficiency, breathe in for 5.5 seconds, then breathe out for 5.5 seconds. This can be practised for a few minutes or a few hours.
Bottom line: breathing mindfully costs nothing and you can do it whenever you need. Never underestimate the power of breath!