I’ve filed this post under “Make Leadership Fun,” as I think all leaders can be the best versions of themselves when they are making sure to breathe.
It was Viktor Frankl, author of the book Man’s Search for Meaning, psychologist, and philosopher, who introduced me to the idea of the power of the space between.
Space between an event and a response. Space between thoughts. Space between breaths.
When I coach clients, I often invite them to take a deep breath as we get started on a challenging coaching call. Just a simple breath (or three!) gives them time to arrive, get centered, and really be present.
Our breath is very important during this time of COVID. As I wrote about in yesterday’s post (Keep It Out of Your Lungs), a key if you get the novel coronavirus is to keep it out of your delicate lung tissue.
Your breath can be your ally here. I’ll tell you a little more. I’ll also include a little “notice” before I share any more:
Disclaimer: What I’m writing here is for information only, and no part of its contents should be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, recommendation, or endorsement by the author. You should always ask your physician or healthcare provider for her recommendation before starting any new health-related activity.
First I want to tell you about a few things that make breathing deeply a little more fun and relaxing at my house.
I love essential oils, and I’ve had a diffuser going right outside my office every day over the past few weeks. I’m putting oils in there like “immunity” and “purity.”
I had asthma as a kid, and I’ve had pneumonia and reoccurring bronchitis as an adult. So I watch my lungs carefully. I recently learned about some wonderful homeopathic remedies that support the lungs and the upper respiratory tract. So I’ve been taking those over the last few weeks as well.
You might be able to see in the background a little device that plugs into an outlet and is a high-powered air purifier. This little device, called “Air,” came in my biohackers box (thanks, Dave Asprey!) with my attendance at the 2020 Biochacking conference.
Now you might be wondering how I track how I’m doing with my breath. I have a few measurement tools I’ve used (e.g., the Emwave by Heart Math, or advanced capnography equipment that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. etc.).
But the easiest measurement tool these days is a simple pulse oximeter, which you can buy online for less than $50. You connect it to an app (I use iHeart), and you instantly get your heart rate and oxygen saturation level.
See, here I am at 98%.
I’m extremely grateful that I’m outside of the 14 days of COVID. I am definitely on the mend.
My hubby is still a few days behind me and didn’t have as high a reading on his pulse oximeter. But we are working on it!
Keep breathing- Deeply!
Read the other posts I’ve made on surviving COVID:
To your good health!
Mantra #1: Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Mantra #2: Stay Well Hydrated
Mantra #3: Sleep is the Best Medicine
Mantra #4: Start or Boost your Spiritual Practice
Mantra #5: Ask for Support for Mental Wellness
Mantra #6: Keep It Out of Your Lungs
Mantra #7: Breathe
Mantra #8: Take time for personal/professional development
Mantra #9: Sweat
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