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Be More Human: How to transform your lifestyle for optimum health, happiness and vitality
The bright lights, late nights and constant hustle of our modern world have detached us from the way humans were supposed to live, connect and thrive. Be More Human helps us learn how to meet our true needs and live more naturally. Tony Riddle (@ thenaturallifestylist) explores how so many of us are actively going against our biology and do not sit, breathe, eat, sleep or move as nature intended. Tony offers practical ways to easily build in change to our every * Relearn healthy natural movement with 6 key posture-enhancing shapes, including squats and heel sitting, to liberate our joints and spine. * Be your own breath guru by understanding how to use breathwork as a calming tool in times of stress. * Reprogramme our gut health by learning why and how to eat more intuitively. You don't have to live in the wild to rewild. This book offers practical tools to allow us tap into our innate natural needs, even when we live in an urban setting. Committed to helping us reconnect with how we were built to live, Tony's expertise will make this a transformative, empowering and transformational guide to finding a happier, healthier self.
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2022
56 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 10, 2022
I hardly ever write reviews but just wanted to clarify my 3 stars - as far as content goes, I agree completely with just about every single thing Tony says and have already implemented a lot of his tips in to my own life, and am very on board with his message. 5 stars for that.
I knocked off 2 stars for the actual writing, as I found a lot of it very repetitive, and overly reliant on a lot of (the same) descriptors and adjectives to make a point. I found the experience of listening to him talk about the book on a podcast infinitely more enjoyable than the experience of reading it, sadly.
But again - love what he has to say.
I knocked off 2 stars for the actual writing, as I found a lot of it very repetitive, and overly reliant on a lot of (the same) descriptors and adjectives to make a point. I found the experience of listening to him talk about the book on a podcast infinitely more enjoyable than the experience of reading it, sadly.
But again - love what he has to say.
October 23, 2022
I love Tony and I'm grateful for the messages he's sharing with the world. The organisation of the written material felt confusing at times but nonetheless, it's a great book. Onward!
November 26, 2022
“My mum told me if you have nothing nice to say don’t say nothing at all” 😂
August 1, 2023
Excellent message delivered with passion.
Unfortunately, passionately delivered messages are sometimes rambling and incoherent, which was the case with this book.
Unfortunately, passionately delivered messages are sometimes rambling and incoherent, which was the case with this book.
June 4, 2024
"Breathe in Warrior! Breathe out worrier."
Tony Riddle is a thoroughly impressive human with admirable values and enviable self-belief. A record-breaking endurance athlete who recognises that as a species we have lost our way in terms of satisfying some basic needs that have served us through our evolution, fading as we chase a life that is no longer coherent with the essence of what it means to be human.
Be More Human is filled with useful ideas that the reader can immediately apply to their lives. Three of my personal take aways are: the importance of breathwork for some necessary up-regulating but mostly down-regulating, to help better manage our stress response and general well-being; the benefits that being out in nature has on our mental health, reducing unhealthy pleasure-seeking habits and addictions, and giving us natural highs to help us down-regulate; and, the importance of play as a means of bringing pure joy to our lives. We are wired to do this, much like many adult mammals in the animal kingdom, but fear social isolation by how we might appear to others.
The current westernised lifestyle of so many humans seems not just unsustainable, as we are indoctrinated by feeling a perpetual sense of lack, but absurd when we consider the things we have come to value as a society (unattainable material wealth, a desire for recognition, polarised political identity etc), over what really makes us thrive (good health, a strong sense of self, and deep connections with others and with the natural world etc). Living in a society where we are continually hunting for distractions from ourselves and struggling to combat ever worsening mental health issues, it is pleasing to know there are people like Tony Riddle in the world who offer so much inspiration to gradually alter our lifestyles to bring greater purpose and happiness both as individuals and as a community.
That said, it was disappointing that such important messages, that really should be of urgent interest to every modern/westernised human, were conveyed with little care about how this could most effectively be communicated to the reader. Its two-part structure was ill-thought, but it was the lack of consistency of voice that jarred the most; at times reading like a thesis and at others like a text to a mate. It is a shame because with a better editing and publishing team around him, who value the power of effective story-telling to effect change, Riddle's ideas and life experiences could reach a far greater audience and could then go some way to help create a healthier society.
In general, a recommended read for anyone who is looking for new habits and techniques to create a better lifestyle for themselves.
Tony Riddle is a thoroughly impressive human with admirable values and enviable self-belief. A record-breaking endurance athlete who recognises that as a species we have lost our way in terms of satisfying some basic needs that have served us through our evolution, fading as we chase a life that is no longer coherent with the essence of what it means to be human.
Be More Human is filled with useful ideas that the reader can immediately apply to their lives. Three of my personal take aways are: the importance of breathwork for some necessary up-regulating but mostly down-regulating, to help better manage our stress response and general well-being; the benefits that being out in nature has on our mental health, reducing unhealthy pleasure-seeking habits and addictions, and giving us natural highs to help us down-regulate; and, the importance of play as a means of bringing pure joy to our lives. We are wired to do this, much like many adult mammals in the animal kingdom, but fear social isolation by how we might appear to others.
The current westernised lifestyle of so many humans seems not just unsustainable, as we are indoctrinated by feeling a perpetual sense of lack, but absurd when we consider the things we have come to value as a society (unattainable material wealth, a desire for recognition, polarised political identity etc), over what really makes us thrive (good health, a strong sense of self, and deep connections with others and with the natural world etc). Living in a society where we are continually hunting for distractions from ourselves and struggling to combat ever worsening mental health issues, it is pleasing to know there are people like Tony Riddle in the world who offer so much inspiration to gradually alter our lifestyles to bring greater purpose and happiness both as individuals and as a community.
That said, it was disappointing that such important messages, that really should be of urgent interest to every modern/westernised human, were conveyed with little care about how this could most effectively be communicated to the reader. Its two-part structure was ill-thought, but it was the lack of consistency of voice that jarred the most; at times reading like a thesis and at others like a text to a mate. It is a shame because with a better editing and publishing team around him, who value the power of effective story-telling to effect change, Riddle's ideas and life experiences could reach a far greater audience and could then go some way to help create a healthier society.
In general, a recommended read for anyone who is looking for new habits and techniques to create a better lifestyle for themselves.
October 16, 2022
I completely agree with the premise of this book - the modern world has created huge distance between us and our ancestral nature and we spend all our energy into preparing our children for the world of work, all of which has resulted in the mess we find ourselves in in 2022. So 5 stars for the core principles of the book. However, I thought that this is largely aimed at the corporate middle classes and missed the point of the problems that most of us face - too little pay, not enough time, financial crises galore. It didn’t seem to address the fact that feeling the way we do usually isn’t our fault and that no amount of self care will solve it - toe yoga or no toe yoga. There were also lots of elements that felt quite culturally appropriative and completely out of reach/undesirable for most people (no ayahuasca for me, thanks). You’d need to get up at 4am to make time for some of the suggested activities before work (not something I’d fancy in the pitch black, English winter). In total, a worthwhile message but no delivery on meaningful action to solve the problems we face as an overworked, underpaid species.
March 7, 2023
Upgrade your existing environment and way of life by rewilding and reconnecting.
It’s a great book filled with so many ideas on a range of processes in your life. All quite short and sweet, perfect for a beginner or someone interested. Someone already deep into this might not learn too much new.
The focuses:
. Breathing and being
. Moving and playing
. Eating and drinking
. Sleeping and resting
. Outdoors and indoors
I agree with so much in this book and found it just a breeze to read. Yes you could find more in depth research/knowledge on each of the topics individually in different books but for a broad view it’s perfect.
I know this book will change so many things I do in my life for the better.
Like other have said his writing is a bit repetitive. He kind of reiterates the same points, says the same vocabulary. But I read in stints not all in one go so I didn’t really find it much of an issue.
4.5/5
It’s a great book filled with so many ideas on a range of processes in your life. All quite short and sweet, perfect for a beginner or someone interested. Someone already deep into this might not learn too much new.
The focuses:
. Breathing and being
. Moving and playing
. Eating and drinking
. Sleeping and resting
. Outdoors and indoors
I agree with so much in this book and found it just a breeze to read. Yes you could find more in depth research/knowledge on each of the topics individually in different books but for a broad view it’s perfect.
I know this book will change so many things I do in my life for the better.
Like other have said his writing is a bit repetitive. He kind of reiterates the same points, says the same vocabulary. But I read in stints not all in one go so I didn’t really find it much of an issue.
4.5/5
July 17, 2022
I was torn when deciding how many stars to give this book… I’ve followed Tony for a few years now and completely agree with his message. So why the dating? It’s because of the food chapter.
I’ll admit that going into this book i had to spend some time reflecting inward, releasing the preconceptions built up by society. With that in mind, I spent some time reflecting on why I was so averse to specifically the food chapter.
My reasoning is that I’ve tried to follow Tony’s messaging on food for months… but the cost of living just doesn’t make it viable. Eating all locally sourced, organic food is just not possible for someone on a lower or even moderate income.
It was the disconnect between the messaging in the book and the reality of the world that left me feeling quite empty after that particular chapter.
That being said, all of the other advise is easily accessible and straight forward to follow with almost immediate benefits, particularly around sleep
I’ll admit that going into this book i had to spend some time reflecting inward, releasing the preconceptions built up by society. With that in mind, I spent some time reflecting on why I was so averse to specifically the food chapter.
My reasoning is that I’ve tried to follow Tony’s messaging on food for months… but the cost of living just doesn’t make it viable. Eating all locally sourced, organic food is just not possible for someone on a lower or even moderate income.
It was the disconnect between the messaging in the book and the reality of the world that left me feeling quite empty after that particular chapter.
That being said, all of the other advise is easily accessible and straight forward to follow with almost immediate benefits, particularly around sleep
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
The book can help people bring nature and natural habits back to their modern lives. It looks at the few remaining tribes and takes away a few key points, and compares them with modern research. From sleeping to activities, communities to flowers. These should help with finding a deeper connection to our innate qualities.
While the content is all of value, it all reminded me a lot of what used to be a blog format. The writing isn't great, and there could be a lot less repetition. At times, it also feels like it's an ad for his events. While Tony probably truly believes they are good, it's still not nice to have the feeling of being sold something.
I did take away some things, so I am thankful for the book.
While the content is all of value, it all reminded me a lot of what used to be a blog format. The writing isn't great, and there could be a lot less repetition. At times, it also feels like it's an ad for his events. While Tony probably truly believes they are good, it's still not nice to have the feeling of being sold something.
I did take away some things, so I am thankful for the book.
August 9, 2023
3.5 stars
I discovered Tony Riddle via The Rich Roll Podcast, and I was hooked! Mind you, I don't see myself running barefoot or taking up cold immersion therapy, but I am keen on sleeping and eating better. I am keen on a bit of rewilding.
This book is a great introduction to Riddle's rewilding and rechilding work. Much of his personality and humor comes through in his writing.
Maybe some of the work is off-putting, but it's a good read, and one can take the best or whatever speaks to them at the moment.
I do wish that there had been more specific advice about rewilding the "bedroom box", as that's where I would like to focus my efforts -- how to replicate ground sleeping, etc.
For more the more visual learner, check out the author's social media. Also, I recommend the recent documentary, One Man, Two Feet, and Three Peaks.
If you are a Katy Bowman fan, this is definitely a must-read.
I discovered Tony Riddle via The Rich Roll Podcast, and I was hooked! Mind you, I don't see myself running barefoot or taking up cold immersion therapy, but I am keen on sleeping and eating better. I am keen on a bit of rewilding.
This book is a great introduction to Riddle's rewilding and rechilding work. Much of his personality and humor comes through in his writing.
Maybe some of the work is off-putting, but it's a good read, and one can take the best or whatever speaks to them at the moment.
I do wish that there had been more specific advice about rewilding the "bedroom box", as that's where I would like to focus my efforts -- how to replicate ground sleeping, etc.
For more the more visual learner, check out the author's social media. Also, I recommend the recent documentary, One Man, Two Feet, and Three Peaks.
If you are a Katy Bowman fan, this is definitely a must-read.
March 28, 2023
Tony is dialed in to the nature of being a human. We all can use work on the fundamentals: eating, breathing, walking, and playing. It's all covered in this book, supported by interesting scientific studies of behavior, biology, and indigenous peoples.
I highly recommend listening to the audiobook while walking in the woods, especially during the parts of the book about forest bathing and breathing in the terpenes and phytoncides emitted by the plants in the forest air. It makes for quite the experience!
I highly recommend listening to the audiobook while walking in the woods, especially during the parts of the book about forest bathing and breathing in the terpenes and phytoncides emitted by the plants in the forest air. It makes for quite the experience!
January 29, 2023
In general I am onboard with a lot of the message in this book (that’s why I got it after hearing Tony on a podcast). Despite the 3 star review I’ll likely continue revisiting the tips at the end of each chapter as I integrate some of these in my life. However, the organization and writing was confusing and repetitive at times (as others have noted). Additionally, the treatment of science, especially as it relates to trauma, was questionable at times.
April 8, 2023
a lot of folks gave this book some flack for its quality of writing. i understand that, but if we are wanting to read quality writing we can turn to the writers. this books is a health and wellness book written by a health and wellness guy: and it's actually very good. it challenges the modern default positions, from sleeping to eating and sitting to, yes... shitting. frankly our commanding cultures could use more slaps like this to wake us from our puffy lethargy. i say well done, tony.
January 8, 2023
Enjoyed this very practical guide to getting back to a natural way of mocking and living. Some good practical takeaways that you can start putting into your morning routine or just throughout the day. Got me tempted to join the human tribe that Tony runs. Worth the read and the posture squat is already slowly starting to help easy my stuff lower back 🙏🏽
July 28, 2022
Tony Riddle has refreshing ideas about the importance of rewilding your life - and how to do that in our urban society - but somehow, to me, his vision comes across more vividly and detailed in podcasts and social media videos than through the book.
February 11, 2023
Lots of really useful insights and knowledge about how to live a happier, healthier life being more in tune with nature.
But also somewhat tainted by woo ideas about crystal healing and quite a lot of ableism. We can't all just breathe deeply and heal ourselves.
But also somewhat tainted by woo ideas about crystal healing and quite a lot of ableism. We can't all just breathe deeply and heal ourselves.
August 4, 2025
I was really looking forward to this one, but found it very rudimentary and messy, long stories leading to absolutely no point, interesting subtitles which are then followed by content that has very little to do with it...
September 18, 2022
This man is really on to something.
March 12, 2023
Great book with loads of tips and actionable advice for coping with the modern world we live in
September 29, 2023
Works as a great jumping off point to find a healthier way of living that aligns with how we've evolved as a species.
January 19, 2025
This book was quite informative
August 1, 2023
The book definitely contains some useful information on rewilding but I found the book very repetative and a little egocentric and out of touch.
July 4, 2023
great book
Loved it, great read, I’m really looking forward to rewilding my life.
I think Tony this a great human, and is work will go far
Loved it, great read, I’m really looking forward to rewilding my life.
I think Tony this a great human, and is work will go far
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews