3 Ways To Stay Busy When You're Injured

When you live for your sport, an injury is one of the worst things that can happen to you. Here are a few suggestions of ways to keep busy when you’re counting down the days until you can play again.

Injuries are an annoying set back. That goes without saying, right? If you live for your sport, there is truly nothing worse than an injury. All of a sudden, you have nothing to do but be in pain and wish you were playing on the team. Sports injuries give you a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out), no doubt about it. So, what can you do to keep busy and stop yourself going crazy when you’re stuck on the sidelines with an injury? Here are three ideas:

Reflect

It’s not often you get the time to sit back and take stock of your life. Your game is strong, your technique is good but there are always things you could improve. An injury, frustrating as it may be, gives you the time to analyze your game. Where are you going wrong? What could you do differently? How can you work towards that goal? It might not sound like much fun, but this injury could actually be a blessing in disguise, if it helps you to improve your game.

Keep Up With Your Exercises

It’s really important that you listen to your healthcare provider to allow yourself the best recovery possible. Speak to your healthcare provider for advice on exercises that will encourage your body to heal and help prepare you for your return to your sport. Do these exercises as often as your doctor advises and make sure they become a part of your regular routine. If you have a bad injury, the exercises may be minimal and seem pointless but it won’t be long before your doctor suggests increasing the amount you do. Remember, your doctor knows best. It may be frustrating having to rest but rest is important in ensuring optimum recovery.

Stay Positive

This isn’t easy, especially when you’re desperate to get back in the game. Having an injury can feel like torture and not just because of the physical pain. It’s that drive to play when all you can do is watch. It's tough and it’s easy to get swept into a negative way of thinking. Don’t let that happen. Stay positive. Accept what’s happened, there’s nothing you can do now to change it. Yes, it’s hard that you can’t play but there are positives, too. It will give you a chance to focus, to rebuild, and to enjoy the other aspects of your life. See your friends, hang out with your brother, make weekend plans you can’t usually enjoy because you’re playing matches.

How do you keep yourself busy (and positive) when you’re suffering from an injury?