7 Ways To Live Well When You Have Long-Term Injury

When our body works as it should, it can be easy to take it for granted. We just assume it’s going to be that way forever. But then, something happens and all hell breaks loose! In an instant, the full capability of your body is gone. Hopefully, you recover, but what if you don’t? What if your injury is permanent? If so, it may be difficult, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle for a sad, unfulfilling life. Here are some ways to live well when you have a long-term injury.

Live Well When You Have Long-Term Injury #1: Keep Dreaming

You had dreams you wanted to achieve in your life before your body was hurt. Ask yourself if you still have them. If it was a physical thing you wanted to do but no longer can, how can you shift the dream? Once you’ve regained a semblance of normal life and come to terms with what’s happened, focus on all the things that you can do with your life, rather than the things that you’ve lost.

Live Well When You Have Long-Term Injury #2: Be Patient with Yourself

Try as you might to stay calm, there may be times of anger, frustration, and a sense of hopelessness. So be patient with yourself while you recover and figure out your new normal. If you can accept that things are going to be tough for a while, it’s much easier to power through the difficult moments. Small victories deserve to be rewarded and praised.

Live Well When You Have Long-Term Injury #3: Connect with Others

You’re not the first person in the world to suffer a life-changing injury, and you won’t be the last. There are many people who are in the same position as you. And many of them are further along their journey than you are, which means they’ll be able to help you adjust to your new circumstances. They may also be a source of inspiration, as you see what other people have achieved even though they aren’t as physically able as they once were. They overcome the odds to do incredible things, look, listen, and be inspired!

Live Well When You Have Long-Term Injury #4: Get Back to A Normal Routine

Sometimes, it’s not the injury that causes all of the problems. It’s giving up the daily routine that can cause depression and physical weakness. You might even be through the worst, but if it’s prevented you from getting a job and socializing, you might find your mental health slipping. However, it’s important to remember that no matter what your injury is, there’ll be a job for you to do. If you don’t know where to start, connect with a disability employment provider. They’ll help you get training, provide support, and achieve job success.

Live Well When You Have Long-Term Injury #5: Ask for Help

Chances are you’re not going to be able to do everything by yourself. Even if you generally have everything under control, there’ll be times when you get down or need information and support. When these times arrive, reach out and get help from others. Family, friends, and healthcare providers are there to help you get your life back after injury. There’s no reason for anyone to go through troubles alone. Additionally, support groups can also be helpful to get through some of the emotional trauma after injury.

Live Well When You Have Long-Term Injury #6: Focus on What You Have

You may have lost an aspect of your mobility, and it’s cause for distress. However, it’s important that you avoid getting too bogged down by the loss. Remember, you are still alive and have a life to live. People still love you and want you to be in their lives. It’s always good practice to live with a sense of gratitude for all that you have in this world!

Live Well When You Have Long-Term Injury #7: Give Back

There’ll come a time when you’ve fully mastered the art of handling your injury and living well. When that time arrives, you’ll be in a position to do something to help others. Become a part of the community by offering advice to people who have recently found themselves in a similar position. You’ll find that you’ve become like one of the inspirational people you turned to when you suffered your injury.

There’s nothing worse than having your life flipped upside down. If we’ve learned anything from history, it’s that all things are possible. There is always hope. Your dreams matter no matter what you’ve been through. Adversity isn’t a wall, it’s simply an obstacle. Figuring out how to get around it is what helps you to live well.