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How to Breathe: 25 Simple Practices for Calm, Joy, and Resilience

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A simple guide to breathwork by a lauded expert that takes you through 25 simple practices for everyday situations, such as de-stressing, managing anger, falling asleep, connecting with others, and more.

In How to Breathe , breathwork expert Ashley Neese gives practical guidance for channeling the power of your breath to help you tackle common challenges with mindfulness and serenity. The book first introduces you to the foundations of breathwork, outlining the research-supported benefits of the practice and explaining how the breath relates to emotions and resilience. Neese then offers 25 customized practices that she has created for clients over the last decade. Each practice features an introduction explaining the origin, benefits, and purpose of the breathwork, followed by step-by-step instructions and post-practice notes. With transporting photography and modern design, How to Breathe shows how small exercises can have a huge impact on daily health and happiness.

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 2, 2019

270 people are currently reading
973 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Neese

11 books8 followers

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5 stars
145 (33%)
4 stars
158 (36%)
3 stars
95 (22%)
2 stars
29 (6%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Catsandsnakes.
17 reviews
March 7, 2022
No citations, isn’t specific in some claims. Don’t buy this book. Please.
Profile Image for Blake Larson.
90 reviews8 followers
February 10, 2023
It was okay…not the best.

I’m glad I borrowed it instead of buying it. It has a lot of new age weirdness in it. However, I did manage to find a few practices for just breathing while in stressful scenarios that would help calm someone. For that, along with the fact I didn’t pay for the book, I’m glad I read it. But I am sure there are some better books with breathing routines out there.
Profile Image for Dodie.
844 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2023
If you are looking to start a Breathwork practice this would be good. It simple to start. I listened to it and it was easy to follow. The audio had a introduction then has different breath work instructions for different topics you might need to deal with like grief, dreams, letting go, anger, ground… etc.
Profile Image for Makena.
72 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2021
very informative and easy to understand. the author has many tips on how to make breathwork enjoyable.
Profile Image for Jennifer Rumack.
235 reviews12 followers
June 17, 2020
This was a lovely little book on the life giving practice of focusing on your breath. It is simple to read and simple to practice. Ashley gives the reader 25 practices for a variety of outcomes.

I immediately did the "Letting Go" standing exercise and then dropped into a 15 minute meditation - It was so helpful.

This book will stay on my desk as a reference guide for using my breath in healing and restorative ways. Now, I will go find the videos!
Profile Image for Angelle.
123 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2021
The world has been in chaos mode for more than a year, so who couldn’t use a little tranquility in their lives right about now? How to Breathe by Ashley Neese is probably the most calming book I’ve ever read. This beginner’s guide to breathwork is approachable and full of breathing exercises that will soothe your mind, body and soul. It’s just what I needed this week to help me reset and recharge. I’ll definitely be practicing these techniques from here on out!
157 reviews
March 28, 2022
What a great manual on breath work! I have the audio version of this book, but will grab a printed copy so I have the instructions for the techniques it teaches. Explanations are simple and easy to follow! I like the fact that the practices are tailored for specific purposes so that I can pick one that is most appropriate for the moment! If you struggle with meditation or just want to enhance your meditation practice, this book can be very helpful.









Profile Image for Sue  Nurnberg.
54 reviews
January 21, 2025
I really liked this book; however, I liked it because it was more like a workbook. I will keep it handy as reference.

In the beginning, the author talked a little about breath and the body....but I think the real value in the book lies in the practices she suggests. She goes through different emotions, and has a specific way to practice breathing that can support you in that moment. The diction is easy to read, and the instructions are clear.
Profile Image for Stand Hiestand.
58 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2019
Extremely basic. Simplified, repackaged pranyama. Borderline patronizing for someone with any experience of yoga, meditation or pranyama, could be fine for someone with no experience in breathwork though.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,256 reviews91 followers
November 11, 2019
I can't remember when exactly I read this book but I loved this. Breathwork is one the most versatile tools I have. There are a lot of practices in this book and I generally just go with whichever one I resonate with. I mostly use Headspace but every now and then I want to do one of these.
6 reviews
January 22, 2020
Tuning In

In an increasingly stressful world learning how to self regulate our bodies is becoming a necessity. Ashley's breathing exercises are simple, require no equipment, and little investment of time, yet help to bring mind & body back into balance.

Profile Image for Beth.
267 reviews8 followers
February 5, 2020
This book is full of short, easily followed meditations for many things. Increase self-esteem, calm anxety, how to find your boundaries and self love are just a few.

I am using several myself.

Namaste
Profile Image for Estela.
216 reviews
March 31, 2020
I actually really enjoyed this book. I did try some of the practices and I did feel that they worked. I think if you have an open mind, this book can definitely be for you. It's a fast read and pretty helpful.
Profile Image for Erin.
82 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2021
These breathing meditations are straightforward and simple to follow. Although, they are somewhat repetitive in structure. I was disappointed there were no references. It would have been interesting to know how and where Neese was drawing her knowledge from.
Profile Image for Joe.
16 reviews13 followers
May 12, 2021
Great book with a beautiful simple layout, design, and binding. I’ll certainly be keeping this book near me to easily access techniques for different situations. I do wish it had some illustrations to more clearly illustrate some of the moves discussed.
Profile Image for Nina Mcdaniel.
50 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2021
This book is a resource for how to use breath-work to move through various emotions and attitudes. Her description of the diaphragm changed my experience with breath altogether. Plus the book is so pretty. I sit it on my coffee table as a visual cue to breathe!
Profile Image for Kaileen Sues.
Author 1 book23 followers
May 21, 2019
Beautiful book. I love the author's perspective and how she encourages the reader to cultivate rituals and practices around the breath. This a resource I plan to use over and over again.
Profile Image for Sheri.
403 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2019
2 1/2 stars. Some good tips.
Profile Image for Gina.
1,387 reviews33 followers
March 25, 2020
Simple and easy to follow breathing patterns for all your different emotions!
Profile Image for Amandasantana.
293 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2020
All the exercises seem super easy to do on your own. Can wait to try them myself.
2 reviews
April 19, 2020
Just Breathe

A quick and easy read that makes sense. A can do practice for anywhere because you literally just breathe. As a person you need this practice in your life.
16 reviews
April 30, 2020
Each type of breathing is described with the steps as to how to do each type.
Profile Image for Jules.
245 reviews15 followers
September 16, 2021
I love the idea of creating space to exhale & breath work generally, but this format did not work for me. missing the personal connection that makes these types of practices feel meaningful.
177 reviews7 followers
October 11, 2021
Tons of great except use that help if one is struggling with stress, anxiety or depression. Really enjoyed the different breathing lessons shared throughout.
Profile Image for Engineer TF2.
67 reviews8 followers
March 1, 2022
instructions unclear, im now breathing out my right ear?? help??
Profile Image for Jennifer.
295 reviews
December 28, 2022
Great starter book for learning breathing techniques to improve emotional and physical well-being. Very simple explanations and descriptions on where and when to use each breathing style.
Profile Image for Billy Wild.
11 reviews
October 18, 2023
This book is freaking blowing my mind! So simply beautiful - used it today and it may have saved my job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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