Getting back on your feet after a physical injury can sometimes be difficult. Even once broken bones and torn muscles and ligaments have repaired themselves, there may still be mental obstacles to overcome. Sometimes, these might take the form of frustration at being unable to enjoy the lifestyle to which you were accustomed. Sometimes, they might take the form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Whatever the severity of your symptoms, there are a few strategies via which you’ll be able to recover mentally, and emerge stronger on the other side of your injury.
Set Goals
If you’re a committed sportsperson, then you’ll be no stranger to setting and achieving goals. And mental goals are no different. The S.M.A.R.T. acronym applies here: goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. It’s the time factor that causes frustration for many. Set your goals for the long term, and measure your progress week upon week.
It’s important that you follow your doctor’s recommended rehabilitation program. Don’t try to do more than they’ve suggested; in doing so, you risk jeopardising your recovery. You’ll feel even worse when you experience a setback, especially if you’re the one who’s caused it!
Accept Support
If you have friends, family and doctors around you, then be sure to take advantage of the support they’re offering. It’s natural to feel a little (or a lot) frustrated by your newfound inability to do things for yourself – but don’t turn help away out of pride. If you feel that your treatment wasn’t to the right standard, then you might also turn to medical negligence solicitors.
Practice Meditation
You can think of certain kinds of meditation as like a gym for your mind. You’ll learn to focus your attention, and to recognise negative emotions and sensations as they arise. Mindfulness is the kind of meditation that’s gained the most traction in the modern world; there are dozens of apps out there that’ll help you to do it well.
Keep a Journal
Recording your thoughts and feelings day by day will help you to orient yourself, and to focus on what’s in front of you while maintaining a longer perspective. If you find that you’re frustrated, it can be rewarding to look back through what you’ve written and see just how far you’ve come.
Try a new Hobby
If you’re looking at a lengthy spell on the sidelines, then it might be time to think about taking up a new hobby. It’ll help you to insert a little bit of structure into your day, and prevent you from sinking hours and hours into social media when you could be doing something that little bit more productive!
Add Comment