How to Stay Sane During a Sports Injury

If sports or exercise is a regular and important part of your life, a prolonged injury can wreak havoc on your sanity. Athletes rely on exercise for both the physical and mental benefits, which means an injured athlete can quickly become grouchy and depressed. Here are some ways to hang onto your sanity during rehab.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stay as active as possible, without causing further injury. If possible, simulate your favorite activity, such as water jogging instead of running.

2. Concentrate on another aspect of training. If your injury is literally keeping you off your feet, focus on core strength (abs, lower back) or upper body and arm strength. Try a yoga class or hire a trainer to guide you through safe exercises.

3. Focus on a non-sports activity that has taken a backseat during intense training. Learn to cook new and healthy meals. Actually read the book for your monthly book club. Take a photography class.

4. Keep hanging out with your sports buddies. Most athletes have been injured at least once and can relate to the solitude and depression that comes with it.

5. Avoid negative, unsympathetic friends who carry the attitude of, “Well that’s what you get for running marathons!”

6. Keep a journal to track your improvements and your emotions. This will be helpful for your doctor or physical therapist, but will also give you an outlet to vent your frustrations. For athletes who were already keeping training logs, continuing this practice will give you a sense of consistency and progress during your recovery.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t replace your runner’s high with a buzz. In other words, don’t drown your sorrows in alcohol. As a depressant, alcohol can not only add to your funk, but can cause weight gain that will only make you feel more sluggish.
• Don’t go overboard on comfort food. Sure it’s nurturing in the short term, but once you are healed you won’t want to be getting back into shape AND trying to lose 10 lbs. of comfort weight.

[grammastacie]

on 10/21/2009 great advice! 5*

[MidniteWriter]

on 10/21/2009 I liked the title of your article!

[dorigillman]

on 10/21/2009 i am an obsessive fitness person and injuries and surgeries drive me crazy. i do what you say and i do alternate activities and sports. it's hard , though.

[chefbob]

on 10/21/2009 Just pulled a muscle in my calf, out for 6-8 weeks, great article on How to stay sane during a sports injury

[runnermama]

on 10/21/2009 Thanks. Good article.