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The Science of Breathing | James Nestor

Jan 31, 2024

James Nestor, a science journalist and author of "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art," reveals that many of us may be breathing incorrectly. He discusses the surprising idea that humans are the worst breathers in the animal kingdom. Nestor highlights the detrimental effects of mouth breathing and the need for proper posture and chewing. The conversation explores the profound connections between breathing, anxiety, and sleep quality. He also shares practical breathing exercises to enhance overall health and well-being.

01:07:55

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James Nestor

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Quick takeaways

Improper breathing can lead to physical and psychological ailments.

Posture plays a crucial role in breathing; sitting with shoulders back and spine straight enables efficient lung inflation.

Proper diaphragm function and slow, deep breathing can significantly improve respiratory health and overall well-being.

Deep dives

The Importance of Proper Breathing

Proper breathing can have significant impacts on our physical and psychological health. James Nestor, author of 'Breath, the New Science of a Lost Art,' explains how fixing our breathing can help with various ailments. Many of us are breathing incorrectly due to factors like posture and mouth breathing. Importance of posture in breathing is highlighted as sitting with shoulders back and spine straight allows lungs to easily inflate. Chronic respiratory disorders are common due to our modern environment, including pollution and changes in facial structure. Chewing properly can improve breathing and facial development.

Yoga's Deep Breathing and Organ Massage

01:02

The Power of Breathing Meditation

01:17

Chewing and Breathing

00:59

Conscious Over Breathing as a Pressure Release Valve

00:57

Intro

4min

Exploring the Science and Significance of Breathing

2min

The Breath of Health

23min

Breathe Better, Live Better

7min

The Power of Conscious Breathing

18min

Breath Control and Sleep Quality

6min

Breathe Your Way to Wellness

15min

Exploring the Benefits of Breathing Techniques and Resources

4min

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You may be breathing wrong. Here’s how to fix it.

At times, self-improvement can seem like a never-ending hallway filled with limitless shame and insufficiency. So when something as simple as the breath falls into this category, it seems only natural to meet that news with some resistance. Our guest today, James Nestor, argues that many of us, of all things, are breathing incorrectly but that by fixing our breathing, it can help with both physical and psychological ailments.

Nestor is a science journalist who wrote a book called, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, which spent 18 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was translated into more than 35 languages.

In this episode we talk about: