The unpredictability of life is what makes it exhilarating, but there’s no doubt that unexpected twists and turns can also be terrifying and unnerving. If you’ve been ill, or you were injured in an accident, it can take a long time to recover and rebuild your life. In this guide, we’ll offer advice for those hoping to bounce back. 

Take it steady

It can be tempting to try and get back to ‘normal’ as quickly as possible if you’ve been out of action with an injury, or you’ve been in the hospital receiving treatment. While it’s beneficial to be determined and ambitious, it’s essential to understand the importance of taking it steady. Allow yourself time to heal, and listen to your body. If you feel tired, or you’re in pain, rest. Don’t push yourself too hard or put pressure on yourself to hit targets or milestones that are unrealistic. Take every day as it comes, and understand that there may be highs and lows. 

Listen to advice

You may have seen stories in the newspapers or heard about cases where patients contact top medical malpractice attorneys as a result of experiencing negligence, but the vast majority of people receive excellent standards of treatment and care. Listen to the advice provided by your care team and try to follow instructions as best you can. Build positive relationships, reach out if you have any questions or concerns, and try to be honest and open. If you’re struggling mentally, or you’re in pain, talk to your doctors. They are there to help. 

Managing emotions

Many of us focus on the physical impact and effects of illnesses and accidents, but tough times can also cause emotional scarring. While you may be taking medication or undergoing procedures or treatment programs to help your body heal, it’s equally important to address mental health. It’s very common to experience symptoms linked to anxiety or depression following an accident or an unexpected diagnosis, for example. Take steps to manage your emotions and take advantage of expert help and support. It’s often beneficial to talk when you feel ready and to learn coping mechanisms and techniques you can employ to help you relax and feel calm if you’re on edge. 

Practical support

Accidents, illnesses and injuries affect more than your health and wellbeing. Often, people have concerns about how they’re going to live independently at home, how they’re going to get back to work, how they’ll get around and what they can do to pay bills and put food on the table. If you’re struggling with your mobility after an accident, or you’re not going to be able to work for a long time due to ill health, it’s natural to have concerns about what the future holds. Seek advice to help you find solutions for practical matters, such as going back to work and earning an income. There are charities you can contact, you may be eligible for state support, and you can also talk to your employer. You can also ask friends, relatives, and neighbors to lend a hand with tasks, such as shopping and getting to and from appointments. 

Staying positive

It can be incredibly tough to stay positive when you’re recovering from an injury, or you have serious health issues, but a positive mindset can aid recovery. It’s understandable to have days when you feel like everything is against you, but try to focus on the present, rather than the past or the future, and focus on what you can do or change. It’s also hugely beneficial to surround yourself with people who care about you and make you feel good. 

Setting realistic targets

Setting targets can help to motivate and inspire you as you try to bounce back and recover, but it’s vital to make sure that your goals are attainable. If you try to run before you can walk, you could do more harm than good. If you’re too ambitious, there is also a risk of getting angry, upset or frustrated if you don’t reach the target or deadline you’ve set for yourself. Be ambitious and optimistic, but make sure you’re realistic. Work with your doctors and therapists to establish achievable objectives. 

Illness and injuries can throw us off course and damage physical and mental health and wellbeing. If you are recovering from an injury or a serious illness, it’s critical to look after yourself, to take time to heal, and to be realistic about what you can achieve. Lean on those around you, follow expert advice and guidance, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to recover in record time. 

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