Much self-care and fitness advice out there is from the perspective of fully able-bodied people trying to make changes. There’s nothing wrong with that of course, only it can exclude those who might have disabilities, injuries, or reduced capabilities to work with.
Of course, that’s quite understandable, no self-care guide can possibly address every physical symptom or consideration worth adding nuance about. That said, pivoting your self-care process after a personal injury is certainly a reality and necessity for many people to deal with, year on year.
For this reason, we think it’s prudent to delve into this topic, providing advice to those who might be newly injured or dealing with the effects of an old impairment. However, first and foremost your self-care and recuperative process must be defined by your physician or medical specialist, always use that advice over anything in this article or anything else you read online.
However, where this advice doesn’t counter the advice of your physician, you may wish to consider some of the following practices:
Exercise When & As You Can
Your recuperative journey will often involve slow but steady strength-building through gentle stretching, exercising, and physiotherapy where available. If you’ve been approved for this, you may find value in gentle exercise, such as slow walks, swimming (weightless activity can help), or using an AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill for the best results. Make sure to rest appropriately, and only do what you can, with a strict regime dedicated not overdoing it, while also ensuring incremental improvements.
Rest Periods Are Essential
Resting is not a lack of self-care, but it may be the most important duty you have right now. Making sure you get enough sleep, that you eat correctly, that you drink enough water, and deal with your stress is important. You can also slowly work on functional measures, like playing with your children, performing light household duties if possible, and getting fresh air when you can. This rest period is a good chance to relax and to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.
Communicate When You Can
As much as the physical harm can seem to be the most pressing issue of the injury, and we will never discount your experience in that regard, it’s essential to remember that injuries can be psychologically damaging, too. There’s no such thing as a pleasant injury, and so sometimes just trying to understand what happened to you and reacting to the shock of your new circumstances can take time. That’s why it’s important to communicate as and when you can, taking time to speak to impartial support groups, those online who can understand, or friends and family when you need help is so important.
After all, there’s no real virtue in bottling up your emotions for the good of everyone else, you’ve been harmed and so they’ll understand your need to vent and express emotions. The healthy way to do this is to talk and to open up. That can sound difficult, and it is, but you feel ten times better when that energy has a chance to express itself.
With this advice, you’re sure to pivot your self-care after an injury in a matter that helps you heal.
