As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, a growing movement of professionals are consciously choosing to avoid AI tools in their work and personal lives. These individuals cite concerns ranging from environmental impact to the erosion of human creativity and critical thinking skills.
Sabine Zetteler, a London-based communications agency owner, represents this resistance movement. “Why would I read something no one bothered to write themselves?” she asks, questioning the value of AI-generated content. For Zetteler, who employs ten staff members, using AI contradicts her commitment to authentic human creativity and social responsibility.
Environmental concerns are another major factor driving AI skepticism. Florence Achery, who operates a yoga retreat business, points to the massive energy consumption required to power AI data centers. Research supports these concerns – a single ChatGPT query uses nearly ten times more electricity than a Google search, according to Goldman Sachs.
Cognitive impacts also worry resisters. Seattle public affairs professional Sierra Hanson fears AI is diminishing our problem-solving abilities. “If you’re outsourcing simple tasks to ChatGPT, you’re not developing your own thinking skills,” she argues. Hanson sees value in maintaining human cognitive processes rather than relying on algorithmic solutions.
However, resisting AI comes with professional risks. A digital marketer we’ll call Jackie initially avoided AI tools, but workplace pressures eventually forced her to adopt them. “When colleagues started using AI and budgets got cut, I had no choice,” she admits. Jackie’s experience highlights the difficult balance between personal principles and professional demands in an increasingly AI-driven workplace.
Philosophy professor James Brusseau suggests the window for opting out may have closed. “We’ll keep humans for decisions where reasoning matters,” he predicts, “but many fields will become AI-dominated.” This raises important questions about how we’ll maintain human skills in an AI-saturated future.
Title: “Breathe Easy: Natural Breathing Techniques for Asthma Relief”
As we recognize World Asthma Day 2025, it’s worth exploring non-medical approaches to managing this chronic respiratory condition. Breathing exercises, when practiced consistently, can significantly improve asthma symptoms by strengthening respiratory muscles and promoting more efficient oxygen flow.
Asthma’s characteristic airway constriction often leads to rapid, shallow breathing that exacerbates symptoms. Targeted breathing techniques help break this cycle by slowing respiration rates and encouraging deeper, more controlled breathing. Over time, these practices can reduce reliance on quick-relief medications for mild episodes.
One of the most effective methods is pursed-lip breathing. This simple technique involves inhaling slowly through the nose for two seconds, then exhaling gently through pursed lips for four seconds. The slight resistance created during exhalation helps keep airways open longer, making it particularly useful during asthma flare-ups.
Diaphragmatic breathing offers another valuable approach. By focusing on engaging the diaphragm rather than shallow chest breathing, asthma sufferers can improve their respiratory efficiency. Practicing this for just 5-10 minutes daily – with one hand on the chest and another on the belly to monitor movement – can yield noticeable benefits.
The Buteyko method takes a different approach by emphasizing controlled breath-holding after gentle exhalation. This technique, best learned under professional supervision, helps regulate carbon dioxide levels and may reduce asthma symptoms over time.
For those interested in holistic approaches, yoga’s alternate nostril breathing combines breath control with mindfulness. This ancient practice not only improves respiratory function but also promotes relaxation that can help prevent stress-induced asthma attacks.
Medical professionals emphasize that these exercises work best as part of a comprehensive asthma management plan. While they can’t replace prescribed medications, they provide valuable supplemental tools for controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.