Amy Pigott It’s common for people to face an illness or injury that robs them of their independence. This usually causes them to rely on others to undertake their daily activities. Indeed, this situation can be frustrating, especially if you need to do something urgently and no one is around. Likewise, it may affect your mental health and self-esteem, as you may consider yourself a burden on others. Fortunately, you can regain your independence after an illness or injury, taking control of your life. Here are some effective tips to achieve this.
- Admit to yourself what you’ve lost
Admittedly, illnesses or injuries may cause you to lose certain important aspects of your life, whether your mobility, auditory abilities, and so on. It’s also common to want to take your mind off this to prevent sadness. However, the truth is, you will still feel the loss whether you think of it or not. Moreover, denying your current situation may make the emotional healing process more time-consuming and painful. Therefore, allow yourself to mourn what you have lost throughout your illness or injury. This way, you can come to terms with your new life while finding ways to make the most of it. As a tip, open up to friends, relatives, and those you trust to help you lift the burden and provide comfort.
- Be realistic about your independence goals
After accepting your current situation, you can then work towards regaining your independence. One crucial way to do this is to set goals to this effect. Not only do they keep you accountable, but they can help you record and celebrate milestones. This, in turn, can increase your motivation while boosting your mental health. However, the key is setting realistic goals, as impractical ones can have the opposite effects. You can begin by setting smaller goals and amplifying them gradually. This way, you are prepared for every level. For instance, if you aim to walk again after a stroke, you can first practice seated marching, which requires you to lift one leg to your chest, back down, and repeat the process with the other leg. This workout can be done seated, so keep this in mind.
- Don’t be afraid to seek professional help
While you have the zeal and determination to regain your independence, you may still require professional help to make your dream a reality. Indeed, these experts have the required skills, knowledge, and experience to see you through the recovery process. However, you must understand your needs to determine which professional fits best. For instance, you need an occupational therapist if you are experiencing long-term disabilities or chronic conditions. You can read more here about how they can help you. This can help you make an informed decision.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself
You will face some obstacles as you journey toward full recovery and independence. Sometimes, you may feel discouraged to do the needful. Sometimes, you would want to give up because you don’t see immediate results. However, you don’t have to be hard on yourself. Instead, give yourself credit for the decision to make the most of your life, regardless of anything. Also, remind yourself that it is a process, and you will reap the full benefits with diligence and consistency.
