5 Ways COVID-19 Helped Me Breathe

Years ago, I decided to learn my through personal crisis.  Death, heartbreak, finances, you name it, and I found a book to teach me how to cope. But the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic was not my crisis. It became everyone’s crisis when a tiny, microscopic-sized virus thousands of times smaller than the head of a pin put the world on pause. COVID rapidly attacked our lungs, reminding us of the impermanence of life. In hindsight, the minor inconveniences I experienced were trivial to the virus’s profound impact on millions. However, ironically, COVID taught me a life-changing lesson: it taught me the importance of simply breathing.

I worked at the regional health department when COVID hit, and our department’s roles shifted to working at testing sites and contact tracing. I was part of the contact tracing team, but the job eventually led to burnout. I felt like I was taking the virus home with me every night, and the stress led to panic attacks. I went to the office tired most days, and I knew I had to do something; I had to learn my way through yet another crisis.

In search of a teacher, I found a book titled “Just Breathe.” I read it, began practicing deep breathing techniques, combined them with music, and made it a bedtime ritual. Gradually, things began to improve. Learning to breathe deeply provided me with the following five benefits:

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

2. Improved Mental Clarity

3. Promoted Relaxation and a sense of Calm

4. Improved Quality of Sleep

5. Reduced blood pressure

Deep breathing is not hard and requires only 5 – 10 minutes of concentration. Here are the steps:

• Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight

• Inhale through your nose for a count of 4

• Hold your breath for a count of 4

• Exhale through your mouth for a count of 4

• Hold your breath again for a count of 4

• Repeat this process for several cycles  until you feel a sense of Calm

I can’t predict the future, but here’s what I know for sure: The pandemic was a warning that we can’t go on disrespecting Mother Nature with our greed and materialistic ways and not expect chilling consequences. She will restore balance, and like COVID, we won’t like it.  Let’s hope there is enough air left to breathe deeply when that time comes.

In the meantime, be grateful enough for your mental and physical well-being to incorporate deep-breathing self-care into your daily routine. And the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, be still and breathe!

Need help getting started? I’m here with workshops and one-on-one coaching. Contact me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com.