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COVID-19 has robbed us of our ability to feel connected to the rest of the world. A tiny virus makes it impossible for us to sit in the park and chat with friends, visit family members, and catch a movie at the local theater.
Spending so much time by yourself takes a toll on your mental health, which is why it’s essential to understand that it is possible to stay connected while staying at home.
Although Cornerstone Audiology has now been listed as a ‘Lubbock Safe Business,’ we understand that many of you may still choose to stay at home to protect your health.
Our advice remains relevant regardless of COVID-19, as the link between hearing loss and isolation is absolute.
Take a look at our tips on staying connected while staying at home.
Set-up Call Schedules
Just hearing the voice of a loved one can do wonders for your emotional and mental health. Rather than calling everyone you know on the same day, make a list of people you love connecting with and arrange specific times and dates for a phone chat. Not only does this give you something to look forward to each day, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to ensure your loved ones that you’re in good health and good spirits.
Learn New Technology
One of the great things about COVID-19 is that it has triggered awareness of the excellent and affordable types of technology currently available that you can use for face-to-face interaction with everyone you love. Since you can’t leave your house and have plenty of time on your hands, this is a great time to learn how to use technology to connect with friends and family.
Great tools you can use to stay connected while staying at home include:
- Face Time
- Skype
- Zoom
Don’t assume that just because you struggle to learn new technology that you won’t be able to stay connected. Pick a tech-savvy family member, is patient, and is good at explaining things and have them walk you through the process. Your grandkids or younger nieces/nephews will likely be the perfect tutors. Not only will they get you connected, but you’ll also bond and make some beautiful memories.
Find Virtual Community Events
It’s not a good idea to take part in events that require you to mingle with the masses, but there are plenty of virtual community events you should consider. These COVID-19 events include things like:
- Virtual fundraisers
- Virtual museum tours
- Virtual helplines
- Virtual church groups
- Virtual shopping events
- Virtual workshops
Once you find an event that sounds interesting, contact the organizers and find out how you can get involved. They might need volunteers, participants, or even someone to start spreading the word about the event.
Reach Out When the Isolation Starts Getting to You
If you’re feeling depressed or even just blue, don’t assume it will pass. Reach out to someone, a family member, a friend, or a healthcare professional, and share how you feel. Most people understand what you’re going through and will go above and beyond to make sure you feel connected during these strange and trying times.
COVID-19 has drastically changed our social lives, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel disconnected. What it means is that staying connected while staying at home requires getting creative and being brave about stepping out of your comfort zone.
At Cornerstone Audiology, our patients are like our family. If you or someone you love is struggling with isolation and would like to talk to a member of our team for support, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 806-687-4327.
If you would like to schedule a Tele Audiology consultation, just click here to fill out the form.
We are here for you, always.
