A significant injury can put you out of action for a while, and the recovery may take days, weeks, or months. That means you may have to adjust your lifestyle until you fully recover. This can be frustrating, especially if you were very active prior to your injury. To help you stay happy and healthy, here are a few key self-care and wellness tips to help you during your recovery journey.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Some injuries can cause temporary or permanent disability. This can be life-altering as it means getting help with daily tasks. However, you’re not alone. Over 65 million Americans, 29% of the population, provide care for a disabled, ill, or aged family member or friend. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your friends and family are willing to help you.
2. Sit Outside to Soak Up the Sun
According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, about 77% of Americans say they like relaxing in their yards at least once every month. When you have an injury, you can sit outside and soak up the sun. The sun helps your body to make vitamin D, which is critical for blood cells, bones, and the immune system. It also helps in calcium and phosphorus absorption. The early morning and evening sunlight is particularly helpful for better sleep, eye health, skin health, and overall well-being.
3. Stay Comfortable
Make sure you’re as comfortable as possible when recovering from an injury. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. If you have bandages, ensure they are not tied too tight. Additionally, make sure your home is at the optimal temperature. When your home is too warm during the summer months, it can prevent you from sleeping, which is essential for your overall health.
Fortunately, about 75% of U.S. homes have air conditioners. Just make sure a friend or family member helps you clean the filters to keep the indoor air clear of dust and debris.
4. Do Workouts That Accommodate Your Injury
When you have an active lifestyle, it can be challenging to count yourself out when you’re recovering. The good news is that you can still be active but in a way that doesn’t put your recovery at risk. Consider doing workouts that accommodate your injury. For example, if you have a foot injury and aren’t able to participate in workouts standing up, consider laying down on the ground and performing leg and ab exercises that way.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet can make a massive difference when healing from an injury. Ideally, you want to eliminate inflammation, relieve pain, and improve immunity. A good diet helps improve all these and promotes speedy recovery. Avoid foods that don’t add nutritional value to your body when recovering from an injury. A balanced diet provides the proper nutrients and energy.
6. Manage Your Mental Health
Don’t let your injury consume you. There are plenty of things you can do to keep your mind distracted and manage your lifestyle. If you’re unable to work, remind yourself that you will get better and go back to working and earning. Surround yourself with people you can talk to about your feelings.
Recovering from an injury doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow the above tips and speed up your recovery journey today.
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