Normalization and Recovery

Now that I have sent my first child off to college, I can (re)focus on everything else, including myself! If you have been through this process, you know it is quite intense. Of course, there is the physical move which requires (in my case) the purchase and unpacking of most everything Bed, Bath & Beyond has to offer and then some. Even more demanding, however, is the emotional element. As a parent, you question whether you have imparted a sufficient amount of wisdom unto your child, whereby they can survive in college all by themselves. This physical and mental drain took its toll, and now there needs to be a recovery period. This week's Loupe is dedicated to the normalization of life and the recovery!

Atmo Tube
Home

A deep breath is essential to relaxation. Shouldn't that breath be the cleanest air possible? Of all the inalienable rights, I think I should have access to fresh air. Maybe this is why I like to go hiking in the Rocky Mountains, where there is less, but cleaner Oxygen. The truth is I live in NYC where the air is okay considering the density. However, the real issue is inside places with outdated air handling systems. That is why I carry around The Atmo Tube that measures air quality around me. It looks for harmful gases and a wide range of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the air, alerting me when they reach dangerous levels. It's also a personal weather station and your very own microclimate/air quality measurement tool.

I have been wearing this device for over two weeks. Disturbingly, I was eating at one of my favorite restaurants (A-Rated by the Health Department) and received an alert from my AtmoTube. I didn't get alarmed and went about my business ... eating everything in sight. Three days later, I found myself in the same restaurant and received the same alert ... now I know, this place has an air quality problem! The following day, I notified the Manager and shared the abnormal reading. I am hopeful that they resolve the air quality issue ASAP, so I can resume my enjoyment of their cuisine! Louper David M. suggested I deputize our community and create a database where the air quality is at dangerous levels. So, grab an Atmo Tube, start measuring, and feel free to share your results with me!

DanceBody
Health

Dancing can take your mind off of any stressors. I recognize that I possess zero natural dance ability, but I appreciate watching great dancers. Typically they're super talented and in super shape. Therefore, it is no mistake that the founders of DanceBody recognize the desire for people to perform and lose weight simultaneously. This class teaches students a new dance every quarter. You don't have to know it from beginning to end to join, and you can try the class in the middle of the quarter. They also have classes where you can follow a teacher (that was more my speed). Whatever you choose, DanceBody allows you to release that inner dancing phenom that has been hiding inside! While there are very few men in the class (none besides me), it is a safe space from judgment and everyone is just trying to keep up with the instructor. It is a great workout indeed, and you will use muscles and stretch areas rarely used. Currently, operating studios in the trifecta (New York, Hamptons, and Miami), check 'em out and find your inner Madonna (or, for dudes like me, Mick Jagger). You can also subscribe for live or previously recorded classes online, probably better for me given my lack of innate dance skills. Thanks, new Louper Randy K. for this introduction!

PowerDot
Health

If you push too hard and need to recover, you may need to stimulate your muscles. After returning from move-in, my lower back and knee were feeling the impact. You may consider NeuroMuscular Electric Stimulation (NMES) into your routine. This NMES system is packed into a small, lightweight pod, and entirely controlled by an app on your mobile device. The app makes it easy by assisting users with every step of the process, from pad placement to program selection to workout duration. The programs vary by what the user requires, including active recovery, massage, warm-up, and much more. This is a slick package relative to other, bulkier offerings available and does a great job healing your sore muscles!

Time to focus on normalization and recovery, and consider AtmoTube, Dance Body, and PowerDot Found!