Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Getting injured can be a significant setback in your life in general. It often disrupts your routine, limits your physical capabilities, and poses emotional challenges. However, it doesn’t mean that your life is over or that joy is a thing of the past. Know that it is possible to find joy and fulfillment even when things are chaotic and different than they used to be. Here are some tips on how to get your life back after being injured.
Acknowledge and Express Your Feelings
First, accepting and acknowledging your emotions following an injury is essential. I realized recently just how crucial it is when some feelings came up about a car accident I had years ago. I didn’t give myself a chance to process it all in a way that released the trauma. Anyway, I’m just saying how important it is to listen to your body, mind, and spirit after you get hurt.
Know that it’s okay to feel frustrated, angry, or sad about your situation. Allow yourself to experience these feelings by giving yourself time to understand them as you process all that’s going on. As I just talked about in the manuscript of my upcoming book, The Broken Tree: Reconnecting to Life, Peace, and Joy During Illness and Adversity, feel everything, but don’t let the funk consume you, leaving no room to be yourself. Expressing your emotions can be cathartic and lead to better mental health outcomes for women who are going through adversity of this type.
Talking to a therapist might also be beneficial. This is a good idea for everyone who has been injured in an accident or other tragedy. The process of getting your feelings out sooner than later might save you some negative emotional symptoms. I recommend finding someone as soon as you can.
Have a Quality Legal Team
After my accident, I did not have a quality legal support team, primarily because I didn’t demand one. I had a bad outcome from my settlement because I went with the first attorney I could find. I highly recommend that you research your options thoroughly. Whether it is Javier Villarreal, a personal injury lawyer, or someone your aunt recommended, do your homework and check reviews. Compensation is so important to your future, especially if you have ongoing medical problems like I did.
Discover New Hobbies
An injury may limit some of your previous activities, but it also presents an opportunity to explore new ones. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to paint or crochet, play an instrument, or speak a new language. Now could be the perfect time to pursue these interests as you have more free time available during recovery.
Embrace Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, which can help alleviate anxiety or stress. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or even mindful eating can promote a sense of calm and peace after you’ve been through a traumatic event. Do keep in mind that it’s possible to bring up some emotions from the event that won’t be pleasant. That said, better out than in, as what is trapped can harm you in ways that aren’t necessarily apparent to you or others.
Follow a Healthful Lifestyle
While your physical activity might be limited due to the injury, you can still take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Focus on nourishing your body with a balanced diet, keeping yourself hydrated, and ensuring you get plenty of sleep. This will not only aid in your recovery but also contribute to your overall well-being.
Find Joy in Nature
If your mobility isn’t severely limited, consider spending some time outdoors. Fresh air and natural scenery can do wonders for your mood and recovering body. Even a brief period in your garden, on your balcony, or a slow walk in the park can provide a refreshing change of scenery.
Practice Self-Compassion
I wrote a whole chapter about the importance of self-compassion and its benefits, so know how important this one is. Many women believe they love and care for themselves regularly, but I challenge you to dig deeper into that. I was one of those women but found out that I wasn’t giving myself the compassion I wanted and needed through hard times. As soon as I realized this, of course, I took action, but it is a process.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if your recovery is taking longer than expected. That was one of my problems as I wanted everything to be back to normal NOW! Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you would extend to a friend in the same situation.
Envision Your Recovery
Positive visualization can be a powerful tool, especially after being injured. Regularly visualize the things you want to do when you’re better. Imagining yourself getting better each day, as well as how you will feel is a dynamic way to be there already. Honestly, the mind doesn’t know the difference. This instills a sense of hope and optimism while you’re in pain and recovering.
As you can see, while the time after being injured can be challenging, remember that it’s a temporary phase that will pass. It does not define you or your life. By trying the above things, you put recovery in motion in ways that you might not think about. I encourage you to find what makes you feel hopeful and alive as you walk through this sensitive time of recovery. Be well, my friends!
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, its owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
