Recovery from an injury is often a slow process that requires a lot of patience. It can become very disheartening when you are struggling and in pain. Many people fall into a depression as they feel like their lives have been put on hold by the injury.

It isn’t easy to accept the limitations that an injury may impose on you. However, it’s important to remain focused on the fact that your life is not over; it’s just going to be a bit different.

How can you keep busy and be productive while you recover from an injury?

1. Schedule your activities

You might think you’re keeping busy and being productive while you work on getting better. But are you? One of the best ways to test this theory is to put your weekly activities into a calendar. Start with any medical appointments you have, such as physical therapy.

Now include any other activities you have, such as exercise sessions and meal preparation. The next step is to put in all your social activities such as meetings, gatherings, and activities.

You might be surprised to see that you have considerable time gaps during the day that are not occupied by activities. Now you can start investigating what you can do to fill those gaps.

2. Get out there

A lot of people complain that they are housebound by their injury and cannot go out. That might be true in the initial recovery phase after the injury. However, after that, you should be able to start going out again.

A lack of mobility can also be a problem. Having gone from being able-bodied to having to look through a catalog for wheelchairs to suit your needs isn’t easy. But, if that’s what you need to do to get out of the confines of your house, it’s what you should do.

3. Try something new

Your injury can give you the ideal opportunity to learn new skills and undertake new activities. Living fast-paced lives, we don’t always have time to do all the things we’d like to. With more time on your hands while you recover from your injury, why not tick a few off the list?

For example, you might have always wanted to learn how to play chess. This is the ideal time to read about the game and start playing it. It might become an activity you’re so passionate about that you will continue playing well after you’ve recovered from your injury.

4. Stay active

You must remain physically active during injury recovery. Naturally, the types of exercise you’ll be able to do will be restricted by the injury and your recovery progress. Never undertake any exercise that could threaten the healing process. It is wise to discuss what types of physical activities you can do with your doctor. Professional advice is always the best idea.

Keeping your body busy by doing activities or exercising releases serotonin into the body. This is the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemical and can make you feel exhilarated. Increased levels of positivity lead to optimism, which is an integral part of a successful recovery.

5. Volunteer

If you’re unable to go to work while you’re healing from an injury, look around for other things you can do. Doing volunteer work is an excellent way to use your time. For example, you could volunteer to answer the phone at your local dog shelter three mornings a week.

It does you good to get out of the house. Additionally, the sense of being of help and service to others also gives you the emotional boost you need to keep working toward your recovery.