NoseWell
Tips and Advice
Recommendations from those who have lived with smell loss
Move it!
Often this is the last thing you want to hear if you are feeling depressed. So what can get you motivated?
Start small. A walk around the block. Many of us report that exercise improves the recovering sense of smell. Getting moving also releases endorphins that make you feel better.
You might want to tune into the AbScent Motivation playlist on Spotify. Turn it up!
Hobbies and handiwork
Getting lost in a hobby that involves using your hands can be very therapeutic. Gardening, jigsaws, woodwork, crafting, colouring, sewing--whatever it is that you like, and takes you away from your thoughts, is a good thing.
Audio books, which you can get free from many libraries, are also a wonderful way to take you out of yourself for those hours that you are not in the company of others.
The best therapy of all is to do something for someone else. So join the conversation at AbScent and help someone who is new to smell loss and share your experiences.
Finding your way
Everyone agrees, this is a tough journey. Losing your sense of smell can feel like you've been banished to a strange place and you are far from home, your loved ones and the things you love most.
In time, you will get back. To get there, you will need to look inside, too. Meditation and breathing techniques can help. YouTube is a great place to find free resources. If one thing doesn't work for you, keep looking for others. The community is here for you so keep coming back to us when you need help.
Get it down on paper
One of the best ways to cope with chronic conditions is to keep a diary. There will be days when no one understands and you won't know where to take your sadness and frustration. Paper and pen are always waiting for you.
Journaling is recognised in the management of chronic pain and chronic illness to be a good way to cope. There are lots of free resources from respected mental health websites on the internet.