As someone who is just now learning the importance of my breathing, I am delighted to have stumbled upon this book here. It is full of the author’s life experience as a person who breathes, as well as a breathwork practitioner for many years. The information she shares and the activities she suggests are simple yet powerful and I do believe that everyone should have a copy of this book! That is how relevant it is.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Just Breathe
Lauren Cafritz is a certified breathwork specialist.

What is breathwork?
"Breathwork is the experiential field of study and practice that uses various breathing techniques, individually and in groups, to promote self-awareness and enhancement of physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing. Breathwork uses conscious connected breathing to release trauma, clear emotional blockages, and heal physical ailments."

Ms. Cafritz inspires readers with her own experiences with breathwork and explains how she has changed the lives of others by teaching breathing techniques.

My Thoughts
I chose this book because I have used deep breathing techniques to help me relax for many years. I play the piano for my Sunday School Class at church and often find myself feeling tense before I begin playing. I have found intentional deep breathing to be very helpful in taking away the stage-fright jitters. I also find deep breathing a great way to relax before going to bed at night.

I enjoyed reading about how breathwork helped the author reconnect with her love of art that she enjoyed as a child. I could relate to this experience because I also enjoyed art as a child and have found pleasure in artistic endeavors in recent years.

The highlight of the book is the "Emergency Toolkit". The author advises her clients to use the following four techniques when they are feeling angry, upset or even having a panic attack;
Connect your breath. Take 20 conscious, deep, diaphragmatic breaths.
Drink water. Drinking eight glasses of water will help you function at your best, especially if you are under stress.
Move your body. Do 10 push-ups or sit-ups. Think about something that makes you angry and then start wiggling your whole body. The mind lets go of anger as soon as it is moving.
Go outside in nature. Go outside, get into nature, feel the sky over your head...and be sure to keep breathing. Being in nature will change your perspective almost immediately.

This book gave me new ideas for using breathing techniques for relaxation, pleasure, healing, and wellbeing. Breathwork can be done in combination with yoga, meditation or therapy. I recommend this book to anyone who is curious about how breathing can improve the quality of life.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Honest and in-depth advice for reaching your full potential. This advice is presented in easy to follow language that can be broken up and applied in pieces at a time.