Oct. 29, 2025

1189: Calming Anxiety Through Breath - Inspired By James Nestor

1189: Calming Anxiety Through Breath - Inspired By James Nestor

In today's episode, Gina discusses the calming power of the breath, particularly as she has been inspired by James Nestor's recent book: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. The reasons why the breath is so important are discussed, as well as the science behind why calm breathing can be so helpful. The emotional and spiritual sides of breathing are touched upon then practical steps on how to use the breath to improve your experience of peace and calm are covered. Listen in and become a master of your breath today!



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If you’d like to continue exploring how breath and the body work together to calm anxiety, check out these episodes from The Anxiety Coaches Podcast:


Episode #1095 – Using Your Breath to Calm the Mind and Body

Tools and practices to help you use breath for immediate calm and stress relief.


Episode #1138 – Understanding the Sensitized Nervous System

Learn more about how the nervous system reacts to stress and anxiety — and what you can do to reset it.



Both episodes offer practical strategies to support your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with a natural sense of calm. You can listen to them anywhere you access podcasts, or visit 

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Quote:


Breathing is the greatest secret of longevity. How you breathe determines how you feel, how you age, and even how you die.


-James Nestor


Chapters

0:26 Welcome to the Breath Journey

3:42 Exploring the Power of Breath

9:07 The Science of Calm Breathing

14:12 Breath as Self-Compassion

16:06 Practical Steps for Healthier Breathing

17:21 Closing Thoughts and Reflections


Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the profound impact of our breath on anxiety and emotional regulation. As I explore the significance of breath, I highlight it as a fundamental, yet often overlooked, tool for achieving a state of tranquility and balance within our bodies and minds. Drawing inspiration from James Nestor's enlightening book, "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art," I emphasize how the way we breathe can dramatically influence our overall well-being.


Throughout the discussion, I unpack the automatic nature of breathing and how our typical patterns can betray us, especially in moments of anxiety. When we are overwhelmed, it's common for our breathing to become shallow and rapid, sending distress signals to our brain and maintaining a state of hyperarousal. I reflect on my own journey of discovering the benefits of long, slow exhalations and conscious breathing, which not only transformed my personal anxiety management but also allowed me to assist others in making similar changes.


I stress the importance of breathing through the nose, as highlighted by Nestor, reclaiming what he describes as the "lost art of breathing." I detail the physiological benefits of proper nasal breathing — it calms the nervous system and activates the parasympathetic response, ensuring that our bodies can transition to rest and digest mode. Practical exercises are woven throughout the episode, allowing listeners to engage with their breath in real time, guiding them away from stress and towards a newfound sense of safety.



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Be Well and Aloha!
Gina🌺