Power Through Repose

by Annie Payson Call

"Power Through Repose" by Annie Payson Call is a self-help guide centered around physical and mental well-being, written in the late 19th century. The book discusses the importance of rest and relaxation for maintaining a healthy body and mind, emphasizing how the misuse of our nervous systems can lead to various ailments. Call advocates for a more natural way of moving and living, illustrating her ideas with a blend of practical advice and philosophical insights about the relationship between our physical states and emotional well-being. At the start of the work, Call introduces the extensive literature on caring for the human body, noting an oversaturation of information about nutrition, exercise, and development while positing that many people still fail to apply this knowledge. She highlights common issues such as "Americanitis," a term she uses to describe the nervous strain prevalent in American society. Call stresses the need for a conscious approach to relaxation and a return to natural laws governing our bodies, giving examples of how poor habits lead to stress and even illness. The opening chapters delve into the mechanics of relaxation, the significance of proper posture, and the innate need for restful sleep, laying a foundation for her holistic approach to health.