Episode 11: Destress with Your Breath

Breathe Deep, Move Gently, Live Fully: The Healing Power of Breath and Yoga with Peggy Cappy
In this episode of A Wilder Life, Eric speaks with Peggy Cappy, beloved PBS yoga instructor and creator of Yoga for the Rest of Us. Peggy brings her deep experience with yoga, breathwork, and healing movement to share powerful, practical tools anyone can use to feel better—starting right now. With wisdom rooted in both ancient traditions and modern science, Peggy explains how simple breath techniques, gentle stretches, and mindful routines can reduce anxiety, boost immunity, and redefine aging. Her insights, drawn from a lifetime of practice, her new book-in-progress Don’t Get Out of Bed, and her DVD library soon to be available online, make this an episode not to miss.
Key Takeaways:
→ Your breath is a direct line to your nervous system—slow, conscious breathing can instantly reduce stress.
→ The lymphatic system relies on movement, not a pump—regular gentle activity is essential to health.
→ "Bed yoga" can help people start the day without aches and pains, especially as we age.
→ Stress relief breathing techniques can be taught to anyone—including teens—and work in minutes.
→ The body needs both strength and flexibility to age well—Peggy shares easy tools to build both.
More from Peggy Cappy:
Website: https://peggycappy.com
Free stress relief audio: Visit her website → CDs → “Stress Relief for Deep Relaxation” → Use code 2020 for free download.
Quotes from Peggy Cappy:
● “Discomfort isn’t a requirement of aging. It’s a symptom of disuse.”
● “You can tell your body you're safe just by how you breathe.”
● “I promise my students they’ll leave class feeling better than when they walked in—no matter how good they already felt.”
About Peggy Cappy:
Peggy Cappy is a master yoga teacher, public television personality, and creator of Yoga for the Rest of Us. She is dedicated to making yoga and breathwork accessible to all ages and abilities. With decades of teaching experience and a passion for lifelong health, Peggy empowers people to take charge of their wellbeing—starting with the breath