Better Hearing: What are 5 Easy Methods to Improve Your Mood during the Winter Season?

As we’ve mentioned before in this blog, hearing loss often coincides with social isolation, which can lead to anxiety and depression. As the winter season continues, this feeling becomes more and more apparent. If you need a little guidance and support for your mental health, here are some suggestions. 

Appreciate the Good Things in Life

Having gratitude towards what you have can improve happiness, mental health, overall health, and your well-being. It’s been shown that writing in a “gratitude journal” once or twice each week can create a better mindset for you. Simply reflect on one act or person that you are grateful for, and write about the details in your journal. You’ll start to focus on the positive things - instead of the negative things. Creating a log about it lets you truly cherish that positive emotion. 

Have a Workout Routine

When you exercise, not only do you give your whole body a much-needed activity, but you are also releasing endorphins. This helps relieve stress, which significantly boosts your mood. 

If you normally don’t work out, try easing your way into it by doing simple things that increase your physical activity. If you can, take the stairs when walking from one building level to another. You could even do chores around your home that require you to walk to different rooms or floors. When/if it is safe, shovel snow and clean the exterior of your home. Limit your activities to 30 minutes each day.

Before heading to a gym, working out from home, or going out for a walk, take a look at our article: Are You a Hearing Aid User with an Active Lifestyle? Here are some Tips for Keeping Your Hearing Aids and Hearing Health in Shape.

Indulge Your Senses

Your senses of smell, taste, touch, sight, and hearing are not just meant for practical use and safety. Maybe you enjoy hearing a certain song or piece of music. The smell of a nice scented candle, flowers, or cup of tea is always soothing. And the taste of your favorite foods can uplift you. In some cases, a stress ball might be helpful. Everyone has a unique way of satisfying their senses, so reexamine the things you enjoy.   

Practice Your Favorite Hobbies

Relieve stress by immersing yourself in something that you love. You can just let go and focus on the things that you enjoy. 

Get a Pet

Interacting with a pet can lower cortisol levels - the stress hormone - and boost oxytocin levels - the love hormone. It can reduce blood pressure and alleviate loneliness and depression. If you don’t have a pet you can volunteer to walk a friend’s dog, cat-sit for the cat-owner in your life, or volunteer at a local animal shelter. 
 
If you, or a loved one, are noticing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. 

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