Managing an injury while staying motivated
A diary entry on how I’m keeping my spirits up while recovering
Having a routine that you stick to can be addicting. The act of waking up, working out, eating healthy and keeping the mind fit as well, somehow seemed to keep me happy (what a shocker). This routine kept me in a place of certainty. Acting as an anchor to my day. My pursuit of physical and mental fitness had a direction.
Sometimes, things happen and you lose that routine. When that anchor to your day isn’t present anymore. Although you hope that it is a temporary setback, your mind still tends to wander into the unforgiving territory of fear and anxiety. And you may end up thinking that things are hopeless.
The Injury
3 months ago, I was at the peak of my fitness. Everyday, I made sure I went to the gym regardless of how I was feeling that day. I was in the flow state. All I did was work hard, and everything fell into place. I was breaking my own personal records one day at a time. I was performing super well, was fully motivated and I could see that light at the end of the tunnel.
And then, overconfidence took over one day. I carried too much weight, and I went a little too deep on a kettle-bell swing, and I partially tore my hamstring. Poof! All the progress and all that effort was put to waste… Now, I am back to square one. Having to take rest and recover for 3 months. And then going into rehab later. The light that was once so brightly visible.. Is not as clear anymore. It feels dim and somewhat below the horizon.
The hard part for me was, I was using fitness as a way to distract myself from the sad parts of my life.. But when the distraction has to go away for a while you start facing real things in your head. And that is pretty difficult.
Bringing back the motivation
It is hard. To keep the spirits up during a time like this. I found it difficult to believe in something that I couldn’t see. But the good part is. There is evidence to its existence. I had, at one point worked so hard. I believed in the possibility of success, even before experiencing it for the first time. If there are setbacks, it does not mean the end of the world. It is called a setback for a reason, and not ‘the end’. Maybe 2 months later, I would laugh at how hard I took this.
So I decided one day, that I want to take control. And here’s what I am doing to keep myself motivated during this time of recovery. Maybe it could work for you as well.
Here’s how I am dealing with my recovery phase, and the lessons I have learnt so far.
Maintaining my fitness through diet
This part is definitely tougher than it sounds. But the more I did it, the more felt like I never lost all that hard earned progress. Which in turn reinforced me to follow a diet. Sticking to that calorie deficit or a maintenance calorie diet with high protein foods will help you stay in shape both physically and mentally.
Focusing on building that mental muscle
I realised that my mind is a muscle too. And that I need to practice resilience. Having my first long term injury has been quite stressful on my mental health. But it taught me quite a few lessons in life. It taught me to be hopeful even when everything seems so far away. I’m trying my best to use this time to reflect on myself and how I feel about this whole challenge. And noticing how I am dealing with things. So that if there is a situation like this next time, I know how to deal with it.
Making post-recovery plans.
I have been setting realistic goals for when I recover. What am I going to do after I recover? How am I planning to get back to form? Some could argue that this may cause worry and overthinking. But I believe this creates focus. This is reminding me that I started this journey for a reason and having this injury is not the end. Having something to look forward to at the end of this long and hard road, is helping me stay positive, excited and on track.
Using that excess energy on being productive!
While not working out like I used to, there has been a lot of restlessness and excess energy that I’ve wanted to channel somewhere. And sometimes, it is this restlessness that has the potential to make me lose patience and try out some unwanted stunts at the gym too soon and cause a re-injury to myself. I’ve been trying to use this excess energy somewhere else. Using it at work or even play video games if I have to (although I suggest doing something useful)
Listening to my doctor
Im trying not to be that person who thinks everything will get sorted on its own. I made it a point to visit a doctor who specialises in sports injury. They obviously know what’s best. Sometimes, it may not make sense, but it is better to be safe than to be sorry. And sometimes you may slip up, and not follow doctor’s orders (which I did quite a few times). But just be aware and remember to get back on track.
Following the tips above have helped me try and stay cool during this time of recovery. They may or may not help for everyone. But If you’re going through something similar, I hope you know that this is just a setback. And you will get through this. Stay strong and stay resilient.
