This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.
While cleaning out his uncle’s house in Los Angeles, James Nestor found a manila folder. Inside, there were dozens of ways to get high without drugs. Eventually, he put together a “HighLab” of willing friends to test these trips one by one. The result was his book Get High Now (Without Drugs). Below is our version of one of James’s favorite relaxing techniques.
Sun and Moon Breath
The Sun and Moon Breath is an ancient technique that balances you right out. The moon breath (left nostril) calms your nervous system while the sun breath (right nostril) perks you up. It totally works. For the purposes of this guide, try the Moon Breath. Really. Try it. Now. Right now.
1. Place your right thumb over your right nostril.
2. Close your mouth, and breathe in very deeply and very slowly 30 times through your left nostril.
3. This will cause a physiological change in your body and brain—it will mellow you out.
Illustration by Tim Lahan