A Recovery Room Reset
Designed by Bearmore
Inspired by Kevin LoveWrecked after a heavy week or some travel?
Give yourself some time with a recovery block. Use warmth to help your body release tight muscles, then controlled breathing until the wired buzz fades and your mind starts to quieten down. About 75 minutes in one calm, low-light space.
The runsheet
Lie under red light
Red light therapyRed light panels predominate Love's wellness room, where he treats recovery as a daily ritual. Lie under a panel and let the warmth and low light start the wind-down. No panel at home? A warm, dimly lit room and taking some time to be still can carry the intent.
12 min activityBearmore’s thoughts on doing red light therapy before breath work
This works well because warm tissues and even nerves create better conditions for deeper, smoother breath work.
Slow breathing
Breath workAfter a 2017 in-game panic attack, Love became open about the breathing and meditation he leans on. A few slow, even rounds here pull you out of that wired, racing-heart feeling. Keep the exhale a little longer than the inhale.
6 min activityBearmore’s thoughts on doing breath work before meditation (compassion)
These go especially well together because regulated breath settles the system, freeing room for warm, caring feelings to surface.
Meditation station
Meditation (compassion)Love's room has a dedicated meditation spot, and he has used the Headspace app as part of his routine. Close sitting quietly, letting attention rest on some goodwill toward yourself after a hard day on the body. Any guided track you trust works.
12 min activityBearmore’s thoughts on doing meditation (compassion) before sauna
This can be a good pairing because the heat may magnifies any calmer feeling, letting compassionate thoughts drift in and out easily.
Infrared sauna
SaunaLove's room includes an infrared sauna he uses for recovery, saying if you keep "killing your body, it is going to keep affecting your mind." Sit in the heat and let the muscles let go. Step out the moment it stops feeling good.
12 min activityTime well spent.
1h 17m spent doing something good for yourself.
The breakdown
Burst evaluation
Wellbeing focus
About this Burst
Kevin Love is an American professional basketball player and five-time NBA All-Star who won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Off the court he is known for his mental-health advocacy. His 2018 essay "Everyone Is Going Through Something" described an in-game panic attack and his decision to start therapy, and was widely credited with helping athletes talk openly about anxiety. He has since spoken about using breath work and meditation, and founded the Kevin Love Fund.