How To Recover From an Injury at Work

If you've been seriously injured on the job, then you already know what a challenge recovery can be. You must think not only about your physical improvement but also about your mental, social, career and financial health. Some days, you may wonder if all of these are getting worse rather than better, yet you must keep working toward your recovery. Read on for some ideas that may help.

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need several months or even longer to fully recover physically. Try not to get discouraged, and continue to go to your doctor and therapy appointments. Do recommended exercises, and be as physically active as you can, even if that means just taking walks each day. Build little by little to regain strength and stamina.

Your injury has likely caused you significant mental strain, so part of your recovery will be learning how to cope with that stress effectively. Worries can pile up quickly and get out of control when you don't feel well, and when you add anxiety about jobs and finances to the mix, you might feel like your whole world is crashing down on you. Therefore, you must develop a set of strategies to help you meet the mental strain and overcome it. You might try guided breathing exercises, music therapy or meditation. You could also join a support group to connect with others who are experiencing similar strains.

Joining a support group could also help you overcome the social struggles you may be experiencing since your injury. You may notice that you simply can't get out among people as much as you used to, and you might be feeling isolated and lonely. Make an effort to reconnect with old friends and coworkers, or find some new friends by getting involved in groups that reflect your interests. You might join a reading group or gardening club, for instance, or even take some community education classes to get you out a bit more.

You may not be working much at this point, especially if your injury is not completely healed. If that's the case, you may feel like you're falling behind in your career. Perhaps this would be a good time to go back to school for some more training or even for a higher-level degree. This way, you'll still be building your skills and preparing for the next phase of your career.

Finally, your injury and all the time you've had to take off of work may be causing your some financial anxiety. You may have to revisit your budget and make a few cuts in your expenses. If you're able to access workers' compensation, you might put away some of that money, or if you have a settlement plan, that may help you get through. Meet with a financial advisor if you're struggling to sort out your financial situation and get some helpful guidance.

An injury at work can lead to significant stress and a long recovery, so stay focused and as upbeat as possible. You will get better!