But you can still take steps to make the best out of a not-so-great situation, and protect your mental & physical health while managing a long-term injury. We’ve broken down our favorite coping mechanisms and how to succeed while recovering below.
Acceptance what of what’s happened
As much as recovering from injury is a physical journey, it’s also a mental journey too. Going through the process of accepting that your schedule and training routine will change for a while is something you can’t neglect. It’s okay to feel emotions that aren't necessarily positive, and that’s part of the process.
Invest in recovery
This looks different for everyone depending on the recovery. Pause that gym membership, give yourself the break and start looking forward to things like
- Physiotherapy
- Slow walks
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Nutrition that will give you the necessary fuel to help recover
- Focusing on sleep
- Checking in with health professionals (they always know best)
When you’re ready to get back into training, it will be different. The reality is, you won’t be as strong, and there will be some work to do. But don’t let this discourage you, there’s people out there who are ready and willing to help you!
The good news is, you can build the best foundation under the guidance of a qualified professional. Getting a coach who can work with you on goals in a safe manner after your recovery will help immensely (and probably go a long way to avoiding another injury).
Pivot your focus to growth in other aspects of your life
Fill your time with podcasts, books, documentaries, goal setting, mindfulness, meditation, or a new hobby. Anything that helps you grow is never a waste of time, and can give you that same fulfillment as hitting a PB or finishing a sweaty HIIT workout.
Make a journal of your pain
One great way to keep track of your recovery and progress is by writing it all down. Seeing if there have been any changes to your pain or recovery can serve as a great reminder for your appointments with doctors and health professionals, giving them a clear picture of how your progress is going. This could be done through the Notes app, a physical journal, or a list!
Mindfulness is your friend
During the pandemic, there’s been a massive shift towards focusing on mindfulness and mental health, meaning access to these kinds of tools has never been easier. Whether it’s through an app, YouTube, or a mindfulness influencer, practicing techniques to keep your mental health in check during this challenging time can be largely beneficial.
Enjoy the time off
Sometimes in life, it’s difficult to get time to rest. Embrace the recovery time, and use it to recharge so you can bounce back better than ever.
If you’re wanting easy-to-wear, yet empowering outfits, the Amazon collection is what you’re looking for. From sweaters to leggings, you can rest, recover, and get ready to get back into the gym with colours and patterns as bold as you.
For the guys, we’ve got the Energy range. Everything from T-Shirts to hoodies are made with a lightweight and functional performance fabric, so when you’re ready to get back into the gym, you can do it in gym gear that is minimum fuss.
