I discovered a pandemic hack that I’m quite thrilled about. I call it the Hold-Your-Breath Hug. The Hold-Your-Breath Hug is a way to get hugs back into your life while keeping Covid safety in mind. It begins with the wisdom that just as the phrase “safe sex” years ago was improved to the more accurate phrase “safer sex,” if one wants absolutely no risk of catching or giving anything to anybody, skip this activity.

Preparation

The Hold-Your-Breath Hug requires two people who have the ability to hold their breath for a bit of time and coordinate a four step procedure. It’s also a necessity that these two people discuss from a safe distance the process and agree on how to do it before starting. So this hug requires communication skills and some patience!

To minimize risk, practice the Hold-Your-Breath Hug outdoors wearing face masks.

Step One

Standing six feet apart, both people take a deep inhale and hold their breath. They commit to holding their breath until they once again are at least six feet apart from each other.

Step Two

The individuals approach each other for a hug both turning their heads to the right. (This keeps their faces in opposite directions.) They commit not to talk, laugh or cry so that they don’t exhale any breath while hugging. They enjoy the hug for as long as their comfort and their oxygen supply allows.

Step Three

Eventually one person or the other will be ready for the hug to be over. That person will move away from their partner. The other party pays close attention for that cue and follows suit by also moving away. While still holding their breath, the two huggers move at least six feet away from each other.

Step Four

Exhale! From a safe distance, the huggers can exhale and allow their breathing to return to normal. Smiles are common!

Extra Credit: Step Five

Though it’s not currently part of my practice, one can add extra precautions such as hand sanitizing and discarding masks and putting on fresh ones.