I was a lucky kid! When I was younger I didn’t always think so, though. I remember feeling bored & having to rack my brain for new ways to have fun. Every morning after breakfast, my mother or grandmother would shoo us outside. Streetlights or a call for the day’s meals were the only things that interrupted our play. For me, the theme was always, Adventure! Sometimes, the way you were raised (learning how to entertain yourself creatively) & things you learned to appreciate, are the only tools you’ll need in times like this. With the #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine from Covid-19 underway, it’s a scary time for everyone. But I think I’ve remembered what I’ve forgotten about how to ease the anxiety. And it comes from my child-like spirit of finding adventure in the little things (Mommy & Nanny really knew what they were doing). We didn’t have video games, we had trees to climb. Streaming shows didn’t exist, but tire swings to push each other on did. We picked peaches from the orchard and caught lightning bugs in jars. There weren’t hoards of people around us entertaining our every whim. We had Mother Nature and her timeless beauty. I was a lucky kid!

Oh, the things we long for at the beginning (adventure & fun). They seem to be the same things we cherish in times like this and as we get older. I invite you to take a page from my book and join me in our escape to the havens we call home. In the quietness of this sanctuary, I promise you’ll reawaken your inner child and find that adventure. I’ll show you, here, how to take the classical elements of earth, water, air & fire to use nature in your healing. At the very least, you’ll get the peace & rest you need as we wait out this storm together.

# 1 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Create A Home Spa – The Element of Air

Why You Need This

If you’ve ever been hospitalized for a lung infection (like pneumonia…which I have been hospitalized for), you’ll know, the doctors and nurses want you to practice deep breathing exercises to strengthen your lungs (and also so they can check your lungs functioning). They’ll give you a device known as the Handheld Incentive Spirometer to breathe in and out. By doing this exercise it helps your lungs get rid of fluid & germs that can lead to infections and produce more oxygen for your body. Lacking a Spirometer & lucky for us, I’ve realized there is a way for us to do this at home. I practice in my yoga studio.

What You Want To Do

One of the first practices in Yoga is learning to breathe to bring more oxygen to every part of your body. One form practiced is called Ujjayi breathing, also known as “the ocean breath”. Which is taught to tone the lungs, bringing oxygen to all parts of the lungs. It’s also believed to build energy while clearing toxins from the body.

Where You’ll Set Up Your Yoga Spa

It’s time to roll out the yoga mat & create a zen-like corner in your home or on a balcony. I put plants and small fountains throughout my yoga studio to center myself in a peaceful natural space. Once you’ve claimed your private sanctuary, the fun begins.

Sit with your back straight and shoulders down. Keep your head up to keep your spine aligned straight. This posture assures the best breathing flow through your body. Sit crossed leg style on the mat or if that doesn’t work for you, sit with your back straight and legs outstretched (if you’re more comfortable on a chair sit straight with your feet flat on the floor). Place your hands on your knees, palms to the sky. Pull up YouTube’s Yoga music. Then, with soft music drifting through the air, close your eyes. Now breathe.

Breathe in through your nose & feel your diaphragm expand. There is no amount of time you have to hold this breath. When your diaphragm expands completely, then release. Feel your diaphragm release the air from your lower belly, up through the rib cage into your chest and your throat, then out. Breathing out through your nose as well. The rushing sound of the air entering and leaving your body is reminiscent of the sounds of the ocean (which is an equally relaxing bonus). And, repeat. Keep doing this for a while.

Resources To Use & How To Use Them

Now, you don’t have to do this part, since it’s really just a breathing exercise right now. But, if you’ve never practiced yoga, you can try some beginner stretches and poses now (there are tons of apps and websites or Pins for basic yoga). I personally use the app ASANA REBEL so I can take it with me wherever I am (this app has great exercises, meditations and music to help you both in relaxing and sleep). Introducing yoga breathing and stretches is known to reduce anxiety and for an added bonus your body will feel like you’ve had a full body massage.

BONUS: For inspirational poses that help the lungs and more information about the benefits of breathing techniques I provided links to other great articles at the end of this article.

# 2 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Soak Up The Bubbles – The Element Of Water

No… I didn’t mean the bubbly. But, OK…if you were thinking of tossing back a couple of glasses of Champagne, have at it. That wasn’t what I meant, although the two absolutely complement one another. What I was referring to is filling up that soaking lounge you rarely allow yourself to indulge in. Pour in your favorite cocktail of bubbles and fizzies . Then soak. Soak for an hour if you want. Let every muscle in your body relax. This is your time. Enjoy it.

# 3 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Catch Up On Your Favorite Reads – The Element of Earth

I love to travel. When I can’t, though, I love to read about other’s travels. The stories give me ideas for my own bucket list. It opens a window to a part of the world I’ve yet to explore. Reading, in itself, though, has always been a way to relax for me. It’s been an escape to another world, another time, another life. I read anything I can get my hands on, as often as I can. Don’t let those precious pages made from the trees collect dust on your shelf, grab your favorites. Then find yourself wandering a world from another’s imagination or experiences. Enjoy the escape for a couple of hours.

# 4 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Write Your Story – The Element of Earth

Everyone has a story and they’re all interesting. Traveling around the world, the best part of any trip is meeting locals, hearing their stories and learning new cultures. So grab that journal you’ve been meaning to get to. Dust it off & open to that crisp blank page. Then tell the world yours. Write about family traditions & memories you cherish. This keepsake can reduce anxiety helping you think of happy memories. Reminisce about your own adventures. Who knows, it may be the next New York Times Best Seller when you’re done!

# 5 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Have A Bake-Off & Put The Puzzle Pieces Back Together – The Element of Fire

After the bubbles and the deep breathing exercises. After the reading and the writing, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Rollout the family recipes and start a bake-off. Make your favorite treats. Then grab your significant other. Pull out the old school board games like Risk & Monopoly (oh, God, is that really now considered “old-school”?!). Find that puzzle in the closet & spend some time laughing & reconnecting while you symbolically and literally put the puzzle pieces back together.

Above all else, stay home, stay safe & God speed to your family’s health. We’ll see each other soon in our travels.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a certified Yoga instructor. I am not a Medical Doctor or Practitioner. I am also not a Nutritionist or Dietician. Every person should consult their physician before trying ANY exercise program or changing your diet. During any exercise, if you experience any dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath stop any exercise immediately and contact your physician.

FDA DISCLAIMER: The programs present on the website, as well as the associated information, have not been assessed by the FDA. Therefore, these are not meant to serve diagnostic purposes, nor as a treatment or prevention solution for diverse medical conditions. Before starting any lifestyle change, relating to your health and wellness, it is best to consult your physician. Getting medical advice is especially important if you are a minor, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, if you have allergies, are diabetic or have additional medical conditions.

Resources

In the United States, for any COVID-19 information please click the link to the Center For Disease Control here.

Click on the highlighted words below for some other great articles to read that explain or offer:

Yoga Poses For The Lungs

Health Benefits of Practicing Breathing Through Your Nose & Not Your Mouth

Beginners Guide To Yoga Breathing Exercises

Breathing Exercises To Increase Lung Capacity

What Is An Incentive Spirometer & Its Benefits