Sustaining a serious injury can put you under significant physical and emotional stress. You may have to miss out on team or group activities. Much anticipated holiday plans may have to be altered. These sudden changes could put you on an emotional rollercoaster causing confusion, anger, despair, and jealousy within a short period of time.
Here are some ways to prevent your emotions from sabotaging your recovery:
- Acknowledge Your Emotions: By simply identifying your negative emotions (resentment, jealously, or anger) you rob them of their power to damage your life and your relationships.
- Set Short-Term Goals: In case of serious injury, returning to your previous activity level may take a while. If you have a serious leg injury, small goals such as increasing the number of steps you take every day will give you a sense of achievement and control over your life.
- Use the Healing Power of Your Mind: A positive mental attitude plays a very important role in healing from injury. Instead of thinking about the things you cannot do at the moment, use guided mental imagery and positive affirmations to improve your health and well-being.
- Get Support: Don’t isolate yourself from friends and family. They will provide you with the support and encouragement you need when feelings of self-doubt bring you down.
Sure, you will miss out on some things due to an injury, but dealing with the emotional side of injury in a healthy way will keep you focused on the things that really matter such as maximizing your health and happiness.
NewportCare Medical Group is a comprehensive specialty group located in Newport Beach, California specializing in advanced non-surgical and surgical treatments for a wide range of orthopedic conditions.
