Welcome to the holiday season! If you’re like many, this time of year may bring a mix of joyful anticipation and jitters, as you strive to deliver happiness to loved ones through the perfect gift or gathering. And while all your efforts are commendable, it’s also important to give yourself permission to take care of yourself in the process.
Self-care involves not only looking after your physical and mental well-being, but also making them a priority. This can include everything from giving yourself plenty of rest to doing things you enjoy during this time. Not only is self-care great for your overall health, but it can also help you experience even more joy during the holiday season.
And if you’re reading this blog, you’ve already taken a first step toward self-care by looking after your hearing health. Whether you’re currently treating your hearing loss with hearing aids or seriously considering it, you’ll soon discover that there are many ways better hearing can help you take care of yourself and feel happier during the holidays.
Here are our four favorites:
1. Lift your holiday spirit by listening to music
Why feel frosty when you can feel merry and bright through music? A recent study showed listening to upbeat music can help you feel more positive and reduce your stress levels. When you think about all the times your favorite playlists or holiday music made you feel happy or conjured up great memories—know that the remedy is real.
And better hearing through hearing aids can make listening to music easier and more enjoyable than ever. You’ll never miss a lyric, and with the convenience of streaming to your devices, you can listen hands-free anywhere—from the shopping mall to the sofa—and at the volume you want.
2. Maintain a jolly, happy soul with physical activity
Feeling some seasonal “scaries” coming on? Exercise has long been heralded as a stress fighter, thanks to the upbeat feeling you get with the increase in your brain’s endorphins, and the act of redirecting your attention from problems to body movements.
Wearing hearing aids and hearing your best can help you stay active—whether you’re working out at the gym or plowing snow—by lessening the chances of tripping or falling. After all, better hearing helps make you more aware of your surroundings while supporting your balance and gait.
Moreover, you can pair the latest hearing aids with a hearing aid app to track your movement and stay motivated.
3. Give yourself the ultimate “present”—stay present
Practicing mindfulness can be an effective tool right now—particularly when you may be feeling overwhelmed about your holiday “to-do” list or exhausted by negative thoughts associated with waiting in line or navigating through crowds. Some examples of mindfulness in action, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:
- Taking time to pay attention to your environment using all four senses, for example: really listening to carols, tasting hot chocolate, gazing at ornaments, etc.
- Being kind to yourself or treating yourself the same way you would a best friend.
- Living in the moment and enjoying the little things, whether it’s the silence of snowflakes or a friendly conversation with the cashier.
- Focusing only on your breathing when negative thoughts arise, even if just for a moment.
Wearing hearing aids can be a game changer when it comes to practicing mindfulness. You can use them to tune out background noise so you can zero-in on your breaths, for example. Or help you listen to sounds that keep you “present” and immersed in the joys of the season—from the whisper of wrapping paper while adorning a gift, to the crunch of snow beneath your feet. The list goes on.
4. It’s the most wonderful time…for you time
While this eventful time of year can contribute to feelings of obligation to others, please remember that it is OK to not only say “no” to activities, but also take time for the ones that you enjoy. They can be big or small—schedule them in if you have to. This form of self-care is an absolute no-brainer for helping you relax and recharge amidst the holiday bustle.
Hearing your best with the help of hearing aids can help you feel more empowered to make a coffee date with a friend you enjoy. Or stream your favorite holiday film —as many times as you like (let’s throw in a crackling fireplace for good measure)!
And thanks to maintained balance and awareness of your surroundings (see #2 above), even your fitness routine can go uninterrupted, whether it’s your daily walk or Zumba all the way.
‘Tis the season to practice self-care—through better hearing
These are just some of the ways better hearing can help you take care of yourself during the holiday season. To learn about even more hearing aid features that can simplify your life—or to make prioritizing your hearing health your first act of self-care starting now—simply reach out to a hearing care professional.
Don’t have one yet? No problem—reach out and we can generate a list of local providers who will be happy to help.
Take care this season!