Tips for Coming Back From an Injury
By Caroline Patafio
Training for a sport, a race, or even just for yourself can be incredibly fulfilling and something to look forward to in your day. With frequent exercise, however, the potential of injury is always lingering. In the case of an injury, it is best to let your body heal rather than push through the pain.
Having to take time off to let your body work through an injury often causes feelings of restlessness. It is difficult to stop exercising when it becomes such a part of your schedule, and it is especially difficult to watch your teammates or friends continuing on without you. Though there will be times you feel frustrated with your progress during the recovery process, it is important to keep in mind that your body will appreciate the time to heal.
If you are currently struggling with an injury, below are tips I found helpful during my own recovery:
Walk when you feel like you need to move your body.
Spend more time outside to try and get the same vitamin D boost you would usually get while on a run.
Add some more time to your day for self care. This could mean reading a chapter of a new book, trying out new skin care products, or trying stretching and yoga.
When you want to push harder during modified workouts, try and think of the potential setbacks (re-injuring your body and longer recovery time).
Have a support system. Talk through how you are feeling with your physical therapist, doctors, family, or friends.
Motivating yourself to exercise or even increasing the level of intensity is just as difficult as holding yourself back when you are injured. On top of the physical restlessness you might experience, it also challenges you mentally. Although it can be difficult to hold yourself back, your body will thank you, and you will come back stronger both mentally and physically.
