Aches, pain, discomfort, and soreness are all parts of being an athlete. But beyond the physical limitations, injury also takes a mental toll. If you’re in a predicament where you can’t train the way you want to, it’s easy to get down and frustrated. You can become more stressed about all of the uncontrollable factors and you can become agitated and unmotivated.
During a season of injury you may feel like you’ve lost a sense of identity, a source of positive esteem and a source of stress relief. This is completely normal for athletes, the key is being aware of your mental state, and making the appropriate changes to improve.
- Sense of Identity – It may be hard to sit on the sidelines or watch other people do the things you used to be able to. You may feel like you just don’t have a purpose if you’re not training how you’re used to. You have many other roles, and you are far more than just an athlete.
- Source of Positive Self-Esteem – Fitness and sport make us feel great. We often have feelings of confidence and positivity when we are finished with training, a game or competition. Spend time doing other things that give you some positive feedback.
- Source of Stress-Relief – You may feel more stressed because of the predicament you are in and all of the factors that you couldn’t control relating to your injury. Also, since you can’t work out like you want to, you don’t have your normal outlet. You have to find another positive way to relieve your stress.
Each day that you wake up, you may begin to assess your injury and think through how “bad” it is. But, then it’s key to remind yourself of all that IS feeling well. Think through all the strengths that you still have, all that you still can do, and all the aspects of your health that you’re thankful for.
You must focus on doing what you can, with what physical ability and blessings you have on THAT day (which may be different from yesterday or tomorrow). Remember, you’re not guaranteed anything, so it’s very important to do the best you can at any given moment.
14 Ways To Keep A Strong Mindset While You Overcome Injury
- Pick up an old or a new hobby. Something that is not related to your sport or training. This may be something you’ve put in the backseat for a while or a brand new hobby.
- Make relationships with others who are rehabbing or having the same type of setback. Build your network so that you feel supported through your journey.
- Find a way to share what you have learned by going through this pain, suffering or change. You can do this with your social media, on a message board or just in your daily conversations with others.
- Cry, throw a tantrum and be upset. Let it out, especially to your support team. It is imperative that you voice your emotions as part of dealing with your injury or sickness.
- Seek care and treatment. Pursue the right care. Never stop finding a way to improve your day-to-day condition.
- Find a new stress-release. Often times, fitness is where we blow off steam. You have to find something else that restores and rejuvenates you. Pray, yoga, meditate, read, spend time in nature or make music.
- Get physically good at something else. If you’re leg is out of commission, build your upper body by working on pull-ups, dips and heavy presses. Become a better swimmer if you can. If you’re unable to use your body at all, you might want to focus on learning a new language, or picking up another new skill.
- Make goals. It doesn’t matter how small they are. Work to increase your range of motion or stamina in rehab. Pick something that you currently struggle with and make some achievable goals.
- Spend more time doing something else you are good at or passionate about. You need to continue to do things that bring you positive feedback and self-confidence.
- Don’t compare yourself to your old self or everyone around you. You are you, today. A person who is fully capable of doing what you can, right now, to maintain or improve your condition
- Write things down (therapy appointments, workouts, thoughts, etc.), so that you can see, feel and reflect on your growth, both physically and mentally.
- Search for success stories, not horror stories about others who have been in a similar predicament and overcame or found the silver lining.
- Hire a coach. Start to work with someone who can work with you on creating and monitoring goals and redefining your mission. This person will encourage you grow and improve physically and mentally.
- Prioritize being positive and focusing on what you can control. You can look at your injury as a chance, or a blessing in disguise, that you can spend more time on something else you’ve been neglecting. Since you can’t always control the injury itself, you can control your response to how you want to cope with it.
Ready to take your performance to the next level? I put all of my best tips, insight, drills and strategies into ONE comprehensive program.
Start training your mind today HERE
Thank you so much for sharing this. It will be very helpful to my situation now. I was injured last month and I lost my motivation because of the pain. To be honest, I feel motivated again after reading this article. You are the best guys!
Hatha Yoga often uses the breath to create a link between the body and the mind. Hatha builds flexibility and strength while minimizing the chance of injury. This well-rounded style balances and opens the body.
Learn more: https://yogateachertraininggoa.com/yoga-teacher-training-india/
Great post! Really very much informational thanks keep posting such an article.
The best way to get started with your New Year 2022 Celebrations is by sending your loved ones, such as family, friends, wife, girlfriend, colleagues, teachers, and boss Happy New Year Wishes.
New Year Wishes 2022
Hey, super posting and very educational, I follow your blog with pleasure.
After a good workout, I like to relax with a good massage and I have equipment for that.
You can also get it from here: https://kboomhome.com/go-gun
It is of quality and at a very good price and it only arrives in a few days.
Fascinating stuff to examine. Keep it up.
Regularly I never comment on sites yet your article is convincing so much that I never stop myself to say something in regards to it. You’re buckling down Man, Keep it up. Outstandingly captivating , extraordinary work and thankful for sharing a good blog. Best Treadmill to Buy in 2021
Do many people have this question in mind that why is Christmas important? New Year Resolution Many Christians need to remind them that Jesus comes into the world this day. Along with the importance of Christmas, it is also reached in mind that Christmas is important to families. Why is Christmas celebrated? I should answer all your questions…
Typically I never comment on sites yet your article is convincing to the guide that I never stop myself toward say something with respect to it. You’re buckling down Man, Keep it up.
Cricket World Cup 2021s
I never comment on sites yet your article is convincing so much that I never stop myself to say something in regards to it.
Great post! Really very much informational thanks keep posting such an article.
Tremendous post… Keep it up!
Great tips.
Helpful blog.
I really thankful to you for sharing us these great tips and tricks for better understanding, But what you thinks about new year resolution, wishes, messages, quotes, greeting etc… I had visited this web New Year Wishes articles and familiar post…
They also done a great job for streaming the live new year coming event.
Thanks for the blog, it is very helpful.
Nice post this is so helpful, especially for athletes that are going through recovery. Motivation is the best key to coming back on your own feet. Thank you for the great tips. Keep it up!
Regards,
Crossfit Freaks
Yeah! Injury make us demotivated becuase we won’t be able to play further games. My muscles often pulls and it is very painful. But your article is great.
Regards
New year, new goals for me. I will stay motivated for the next year and will plan to make resolutions completed with these new year wishes for 2023: https://happywishes4you.com/new-year-wishes/
I have seen a lot players being very motivated when they in front of their crowd. I think the biggest motivation is the fans, country etc that support you.