The “MEA - Musik, Emotion und Atmung" (Music, Emotion and Breathing) – started last year (as reported by Altea). In collaboration with the swiss Foundation Pro Mente Sana, professional singers offer a six-week online singing course. The idea behind it is that those affected by Long COVID will benefit from breathing techniques and exercises, and that singing, like breathing techniques, can also have a positive effect. What’s more, the MEA courses provide an empowering group experience.
The participants’ voices
The first pilot course was a real eyeopener and showed that this approach actually works. It starts off with mindfulness and vocal warm-up exercises, followed by group singing sessions; at the end, everyone is given a singing-related homework assignment. Scientific insights on how breathing techniques actually work are provided in between the exercises. In the following discussion, the participants report on their experiences after six weeks of attending the course.
“After 20 months, it feels like I've become reconciled with my body.”
Urs
“It helped me breathe deeply from my stomach again. I used to breathe very shallowly, and now I’m getting back into deep breathing. It’s almost more help than my asthma spray. Something else that helps is that I’m getting in contact with others who have been affected. This has been a good balance for me, even though I hadn’t really sung before. To know that I’m not alone is a good feeling.”
With a smile on my lips. A screenshot from the MEA course.
Géraldine
“After 20 months, it feels like I've become reconciled with my body. We’re no longer fighting against each other all the time; instead, we’re traveling the same road together. I used to sing before I contracted the infection, and I had completely lost the ability to sing. Now, I’ve gotten it back.
It’s not perfect, but a few things have gotten better. That means so much to me. That things are looking up again! I wouldn’t have thought that could be possible. Now, I feel more at peace with myself. The group really helped motivate me.”
Ramona
“My main symptom is headaches, and they haven't improved. But it’s still nice to participate in something social. We laugh together in the group. That awakens your emotions and promotes a sense of well-being.”
Luisa
“The physical symptoms are still there, but they're improving very gradually. I do feel much better psychologically, though. I’ve been struggling with that for a year. This scared me and I was no longer very happy in my daily life. Now I’m beginning to notice that I’m doing better. I met other people with Long COVID for the first time. Talking to other people who are suffering – and seeing and hearing them – really helps. I guess it's the little things that add up.”
“If I get dizzy or if my heart rate is high, I can calm down using these exercises and can manage to keep going for a bit longer.”
Conny
“I already knew about breathing exercises from rehab, but I struggled to motivate myself at home. Being with the group on a regular, weekly basis helps me. If I get dizzy or if my heart rate is high, I can calm down using these exercises and can manage to keep going for a bit longer. And that makes my day happier! I can’t play any sports at the moment, but now I have singing to turn to. It’s like a new hobby.”
Yolanda
“It’s too bad that the course only lasts six weeks. I would have loved to do more sessions! I’ve found courage again and trust myself to do things. Maybe we'll manage to keep our group together after the course is over.”
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