10 Ways to Cope with SCI During COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic makes everything much more challenging, especially for those with health conditions like spinal cord injury (SCI). A study found that the isolation and loneliness brought by the pandemic created new barriers for people already suffering from physical and mental conditions.

At our Miami FL spinal rehab center, people with SCI report experiencing debilitating pain and difficulty performing daily tasks. This article will share different ideas so SCI patients can cope with the ongoing pandemic.

How to Cope with SCI During the Pandemic

Any form of injury in the spinal cord can disrupt the normal functions of the brain and body. Imagine having your ligaments, joints, spinal discs, and spinal bones getting badly damaged. SCIs often lead to painful sensations and, in more severe cases, paralysis.

Here at iAmAble Miami FL spinal rehab center, we always encourage our patients to continue enjoying their lives, despite sustaining spinal cord injuries. Depending on the location and severity of the damage in the spine, some patients can still participate in activities they used to do before the injury. 

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals find themselves banned from doing outdoor and leisure activities. Although self-quarantine and social distancing help prevent the spread of the virus, the stress and depression they bring severely impact people’s physical and mental health.

SCI and sheltering in place do not always have to take the good out of your days. Here are some of the activities you can do to cope with SCI during the pandemic:

#1. Reading Books

Travelling has become much more complicated, no thanks to the pandemic. Fortunately, books can be your doorway to the rest of the world and more. Reading books can help you get your mind off stress and help you gain more knowledge about any topic you can think of. Books, whether physical or digital, can be your companion during these trying times.

#2. Taking On A New Hobby

Keeping yourself busy with productive hobbies is an excellent way to make use of your time at home. You can try collecting items, painting, learning a musical instrument, or even hone your cooking and baking skills. 

#3. Gardening

Gardening has become all the rage in many countries during the pandemic. Plants are relatively easy to take care of, and these plants can make any area in your house or yard more beautiful. 

#4. Swimming

People with spinal cord injuries can still exercise and stay fit. Exercising in a pool is a fun and great way to keep in shape without much effort.

#5. Putting Creativity to the Test

If you’ve been putting off a project for a long time, perhaps, now is the best moment to do it. Sheltering in place might become boring as time passes, and creating new things is an excellent way to spend your days at home. The great thing about crafting is that you can do this activity with the people you love, making your project more meaningful and worthwhile.

#6. Watching Movies and TV Shows

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other streaming websites have increased their viewership thanks to the quarantine. If you want to pass the time with minimal effort, watching movies and television shows might be the activity for you. You can boost your viewing experience with some snacks in hand while watching on a big screen with the lights off.

#7. Dancing 

Dancing is another good hobby to pursue during the pandemic, and it’s also a great way to exercise. Just play some tunes you enjoy, and get your boogie down when you’re alone or with your loved ones in your home.

#8. Yoga and Meditation

With the current pandemic, people’s stress levels have gone off the roof. Engaging in activities that relieve stress, such as yoga and meditation, can help you maintain a level head and help you get through these trying times. Try to meditate as often as you can. Sit or lie down in a quiet location, maybe play some soothing music or light a scented candle, and breathe.

#9. Learning a New Language

The one thing the pandemic is unable to stop is learning. Thanks to the internet and the endless resources we can find there, anyone can learn more about new things. While sheltering in place, let’s challenge ourselves to learn a new language. This can be a preparation for when we can travel to different countries freely again.

#10. Spending Time with Your Loved Ones

The pandemic generally affected the world negatively, but it enabled families to reconnect with each other. Many jobs shifted to work-from-home setups, giving people a chance to stay in and spend more time with their families. If you currently stay with your family, why not try out everything on this list with them?

Becoming an SCI Survivor Requires Preparation

As mentioned before, maintaining a good mental state is as important as physical recovery for spinal cord injuries. During the pandemic, we have to take extra care of our overall health. Combining mental preparation with physical rehabilitation can make any SCI patient become a survivor.

The SCI patients at our Miami FL spinal rehab center find that books have helped them get through the difficult times. Read our ebook, 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis. It can provide you guidance and encouragement for better recovery.

Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.