Bouncing Back Stronger: Building Resilience in Injury Recovery
Life is an unpredictable journey, and sometimes it throws us a curveball in the form of an injury. Whether you rely on your ability to freely move as a means of pursuing performance, or for mental health, being sidelined by injury can be life altering on many accounts.
Understanding and developing resilience throughout this period is the secret sauce that empowers you to overcome adversities and setbacks throughout the recovery process. If you’re reading this while in the throes of your recovery, know there is a way forward through the struggle.
Accepting the Situation
Injury recovery can be frustrating, and it's normal to feel disheartened. The first step to building resilience is accepting the reality of the injury and what has transpired. Instead of dwelling on what might have been, embrace your current situation with self-compassion and understanding. Remember, this is just a chapter in your story, not the entire book. Regardless of how you got to where you are, the sooner you are able to acknowledge your current reality, the sooner you will be able to move forward and focus on the parts of life that are within your realm of control.
Cultivating a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset is a powerful tool in the recovery process. It takes work and consistency, but it can have a dramatic impact on your daily experience. Practice gratitude and focus on the progress you're making, no matter how small. You could legitimately visualize yourself healing, returning to your activities, and achieving your physical goals. There are many studies that have shown that a positive mindset can lead to better recovery outcomes.
Building a Support Network:
Surround yourself with a strong support network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals. These allies will be your champions and greatest supporters, offering encouragement and motivation when you need it most. There is no such thing as a self made person, lean on your support during challenging times. If your movement practice is also a key component of your daily or weekly social activities, it will be normal to notice a void or an empty space, and it will likely require a bit more effort to stay connected. You might also need to get comfortable asking for (and receiving) help. It might feel awkward, but trust that you have a network eager to support you, though the first step is potentially letting them know.
Embracing Patience
Recovery takes time, and building resilience means embracing patience. Avoid rushing the process, or comparing yourself to others (social media is a toxic place). Every recovery journey is unique, and it's essential to listen to your body and progress at your own pace.
You can’t cook a roast faster by turning up the heat.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Resilient individuals see setbacks as opportunities for growth. If you can view your injury as a chance to learn more about your body, identify areas for improvement, and develop new skills, you’ll be able to unearth some positives out of the journey. Use these setbacks as stepping stones toward a stronger and more resilient (and wiser) you.
Seeking Inspiration
You are not the first person in history to have experienced what you are going through. It is very rare to see this day, so seek out those locally or online that have experienced what you are going through. Listening to or connecting with someone that is or has gone through the process of recovery from your specific injury or injuries in general helps provide understanding and reassurance to your situation. Lean on the readily available and free resources that are online or in your community. I’ve linked two pieces of content below that have resonated for my clients.
