Ways to Get Back to Normality After An Injury

Through all the uncertainty and days spent on the couch, you might soon be able to return to a more normal life. Whether you’ve been on the shelf after an injury or a sudden illness that knocked you for six, you’re probably itching to do the things you love to do once more. But, getting back to normality is easier said than done. 

Too many people try to do too much too soon, and they only aggravate their injury, which puts them right back at square one or at least delays their return to the real world by a few more weeks. What’s more, time away from work and socializing can wreak havoc on your mental well-being, and adjusting is not always as simple as flicking a switch. If you want to return to normality successfully, here are eight ways to make it happen.

See What You’re Capable Of 

You can never know how close you are to normality if you don’t give yourself a test and discover what you’re capable of. While you shouldn’t go back to running exhaustive half marathons, lifting heavy weights, or going on long treks across uneven terrain, you can still try other small activities that help you discover where you are. 

By seeing what you’re capable of, you can start to return to a normal lifestyle. If you’ve spent the last few weeks or months needing everyone to do things for you, try standing up and making dinner or taking the dog for a walk. If you can do this, you’re on your way to getting better. 

Speak to a Professional 

Professionals are always worth speaking to when coming back from a long-term injury. For muscle issues, physiotherapists can provide advice, while more severe accidents, such as head injuries, may require regular scans, head protection, and even a speech therapist to help with memory and sentence formulation. 

However, you may not realize you need this assistance so soon, which is why it’s worth having someone beside you when you begin to get back to your normal life. Whether walking, driving, or cycling, you may require someone to support you in case something goes wrong and you realize you’re not quite ready now. 

Take Your Time 

Many professionals also discuss The Art of Resting when returning from an injury, but too many people think they have the same strength and conditioning they had before they suffered an injury. Taking baby steps will help you to gradually increase your strength, and it’s always worth listening to your body. 

Even if you aren’t exercising or playing sports, it’s still important to take your time. Previously simple things like walking the dog or grocery shopping can feel too much for people who have just recovered (or even still recovering) from a serious injury. You don’t want to do too much too soon, so don’t push yourself. 

Don’t Ignore Mental Stressors

Trauma is often ignored when returning from an injury. You may feel nervous taking steps, getting back into a car, or returning to where the injury occurred. Of course, you know the chances of something happening again are slim deep down, but your brain still focuses on the negative. 

You might try to ignore these mental stressors, but this only compounds the issue and could cause it to manifest worse later on. If you feel stressed, remove yourself from the situation and take several breaths to calm down. 

Speak to Your Boss 

Your boss may be on your case about when you can get back to the office. Although you might seem perfectly healthy on the outside, there could still be lingering issues that could be exacerbated if you return to your normal life too soon. 

This is why you need to speak to your boss to come to a compromise. If they are a good boss, they should understand where you are coming from and will work alongside you to reach an agreement about working even in your current condition, whether this is from home or in a reduced capacity at the office for now. 

Don’t Stop Treatment 

Once you feel like you’re better and perhaps even 100%, you might be tempted to abandon your treatment. But, simply feeling 100% is not enough, as there could still be lingering issues. 

As you get closer and closer to normality, continuing your pain management can help you avoid further problems and should help you slowly but surely reduce your overall discomfort, which means you’ll soon forget about it enough to live a normal life.

Find Support 

There are many ways for you to find support as you’re recovering from an accident or injury. Some people rely on friends and family, while others take advantage of online forums or in-person group sessions where they discuss their issues with people who have encountered the same thing. You can find support wherever you feel comfortable, and this support can be one of the most vital elements of your recovery.

Like treatment, you shouldn’t leave the support group or ignore further support once you’re back. Many people still need help after recovery, as it isn’t just over once you feel 100% again. 

Don’t Get Frustrated 

It can take a long time to mentally recover from an injury or accident, and there could be things you used to be able to do that you can’t do anymore, or at least not as proficiently as you used to. You mustn’t get frustrated by these issues as they will come in time. Frustration will only lead to further problems later on, so if you feel stressed out or angry with yourself and the situation, stop for a moment and consider how far you’ve come already. The rest will soon follow. 

Normal, Whatever That Means 

It’s frustrating being stuck indoors and not being able to do all the things your friends and family have done over the past few months. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you’ve gone through so much already not to waste it just as you’re coming out the other side. By taking your time and remembering you still need support along the way, you’ll be back to your healthy and happy best in no time at all.