You can’t tell another person what to do. Well, you can…and I have for decades…but it’s not an effective way to get someone to change.
But still, here I am, shaking your shoulders and pretty much begging you, in 2022, to give nasal breathing a proper chance.
For me, especially during this terrifying pandemic, it’s been a life-saver and in the soon-to-be-published second edition of All Is Well: The Art {and Science} Of Personal Well-Being—the COVID edition—I go into all the reasons why breathing in and out of your nose, not your mouth, as more than 90% of us do, is such a powerful practice. Here are a few things to know.
Nasal breathing cleans and strengthens your lungs. It filters out toxins that can make you sick. And top of mind in this frightening and confusing time of COVID, nasal breathing engages your parasympathetic nervous system, so your brain can stop thinking you’re in fight or flight or freeze mode, and instead, you can feel safe and calm.
There are at least 15 more reasons why nasal breathing is a game changer, but I’ll stop now. I have learned that many people are not as interested in nasal breathing as I am, but that’s only because they haven’t studied with breathwork and performance coach Ed Harrold (EdHarrold.com), or read James Nestor’s brilliant book “Breath” (tons of science and an engaging read) or taken life-changing breathing workshops with Sienna Smith (SiennaSmith.com and her Better Breathing podcast.) or watched a million free Patrick McKeown breathing videos on YouTube or studied for years with yoga and breathing master Tias Little (prajna.yoga).
I’ve done all that since COVID hit, and I’m filled with gratitude for the results I’m experiencing. As your most personal trainer, I can’t help but urge you to start the new year with your own deep dive into nasal breathing.
Where to begin? That’s up to you…and your budget. The Nestor book is under $20 dollars. You can study with Coach Ed on ZOOM for a low monthly charge or seek out videos by Tias Little or Patrick McKeown or you can sign up for one of Sienna’s breathing courses. She’s a wonderful breathing teacher and her new 6 week course begins on ZOOM on January 12 and steep discounts are available at SiennaSmith.com if you email her and mention you need one.
I know I can’t tell you what to do and have you do it but I can promise you this: if you become a nasal breather, over time your personal well-being will change in remarkable ways.
It won’t make COVID go away but it’ll help you face it with greater calm, stronger lungs, and many new evidence-based coping skills.
And besides that, with regular practice, you’ll be a lot healthier. There! I’ve said it. But it’s up to you to actually do it.