Many of us are self-isolating, social distancing from others and even cocooning at this time to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as a result of the current global pandemic. It’s normal to feel a little stressed and worried at this time, but why not use this time wisely. See it as an opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries, to learn something new and keep connected with loved ones and the others in the outside world.
Communication is important for everyone at the moment, but it’s especially important for individuals with hearing loss for their mental health and well-being. We hope this blog will be useful for anyone in isolation with hearing loss, or indeed for anyone who has a loved one in isolation with hearing loss in order to improve their well-being.
Before launching into our tips and recommendations on ways to cope with hearing loss during this COVID-19 pandemic, we think it’s important you understand the link between hearing loss and an individual’s well-being. Communications can be very challenging for individuals with hearing loss, particularly if it is only a recent occurrence, as you may still be navigating your way to discover the best ways to communicate with others. As a result, hearing loss can have a strong impact on you socially which can therefore have negative impact on your mental health. Therefore, it is very important to focus on your own well-being particularly during this outbreak. It’s especially challenging at the moment to communicate with others, which is why the tips and recommendations in this blog may help you in feeling connected with others while also keeping your mood up and making the most of these unprecedented times.
Stay Connected
We may be isolating and social distancing, but avoid the feeling of isolation by keeping in regular contact with friends, family and loved ones. We would advise communicating with people several times a day, to make sure you keep spirits high and put things in perspective. If you’ve got friends or family you haven’t spoken to in a while and well overdue a catch-up, there’s no time like the present. We have more methods of staying in touch now than ever before with phone calls, video calls, messaging apps, social media, email and more! If you haven’t tried video calling before, maybe now is the perfect opportunity to learn. It’s an excellent way of staying connected with loved ones at this time.
Meditation and Yoga
Our next tip is to try meditation or yoga. If you haven’t ever tried it, don’t knock it. It can reduce stress levels, anxiety, improves your general emotional and mental health, reduce muscles tensions or strains, inflammation and can help calm your nervous system. The coronavirus, has made lots of us anxious and stressed, you are definitely not alone there! But why not try a couple of short meditation or yoga sessions to help. There’s lots of beginner videos on youtube to help and show you the ropes.
Exercise
Many of us are eating more at the moment and spending more time in front of our TV’s than ever, so getting motivated to exercise isn’t exactly the easiest idea. However, even after a short workout we guarantee it will make you feel better. We release endorphins while we exercise which is scientifically proven to release positive feelings in to our body’s and make us feel better. We don’t need to run a marathon to exercise, why not try to do a short workout a couple of times a day. Even getting outside to the back garden for some fresh air will already make you feel better. If possible, going for a walk is a great option to get out of the house and to get some fresh air. Just make sure to maintain social distancing with others at all times.
Sing & Dance
Okay, this one might seem a little silly, but we promise it works! Play your favourite song and dance along to it while singing the words (or at least the ones you know). Dance is an excellent way to exercise and a great way of reducing stress, improving your mood and even preventing diseases. Just remember to close the windows and the curtain if you don’t want your neighbours to see.
Play Games
Playing games is a great way to pass away a couple of hours, improve memory, problem-solving skills and just to have a bit of fun. It’s also proven to reduce stress levels. So, go into the attic to find your old board games, do some crosswords or sudoku puzzles or even play charades, which is always a classic and we promise it will help you get through this challenging time and keep spirits up. If you don’t live with anyone, why not even play a game of charades with a loved one via a video call.
Reading
It might be a pretty obvious one, but why not read a book? Reading is an excellent way to relax and there’s no better time to get lost in a book than now. Maybe you can re-read some of your old favourites or even download some new books online.
Gardening
It’s a great time of year for gardening, and an excellent way of getting fresh air and reducing your stress levels. If you are looking for some seeds, why not try to buy them online. You can plant some of your favourite herbs, vegetables or flowers out in your garden or even on your balcony.
Learn something new
Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? A new language or maybe even how to use some sort of modern technology? There’s really no time like the present. There are videos, courses and tutorials all online for you to get started on whatever it is you want to learn. It’s never been easier to learn a new language, including sign language, and we would really recommend to learn how to video call, for those of you that don’t already, in order to stay in touch with friends and family.
Housework and Cleaning
Believe it or not, housework and cleaning can be therapeutic, and even if you disagree with that, you can certainly enjoy the benefits once you have cleaned. Sort out your kitchen cupboards, clear out your wardrobes and do a deep clean around your house. It’s more productive than sitting in front of the TV all day, and you’ll be smiling every time you open your newly cleaned cupboard or wardrobe.
Try new recipes
Improve your cooking and baking skills by trying new recipes. There are endless recipes online, if there’s something you’ve always wanted to make now’s your chance. If you’ve ingredients close to going out of date, why not look up a recipe to make something using this ingredient. Who knows, you might discover your new signature dish, and the best part of trying new recipes is that you can enjoy the testing personally.
Pamper Yourself
Why not have a pamper day for yourself. Enjoy a bath, do a face mask, self-manicure and pedicure, and cuddle up on the couch watching some of your favourite movies or binge watching some TV shows. There’s nothing wrong with having a pamper day, especially with so many practical self-care kits widely available in stores now.
Arts and Crafts
Getting crafty is a great way to reduce stress and pass the time. Make a scrapbook of old photos, spend some time knitting or sewing or even try some adult colouring which is now a very popular way for adults to relax and unwind.
We hope you found this blog beneficial and have gotten a few ideas on how to cope with your hearing loss during these unprecedented times. Audiology is recognised as an essential service provider. Whilst we are unable to offer face-to-face consultations at this time, we will remain open to support people with hearing related issues. We have put in place safe measures that allow you to post or drop off your hearing aid technology for checks and repairs. Contact us on 1800-501-501 for more information.
If you require hearing aid batteries, domes or filters, please call us on 1800-501-501 or email info@audiologymedicalservices.ie
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