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You’ve been hurt badly. Maybe you were in an accident, tripped and fell on something, or got injured on the job. Whatever the cause, you’re incapable of performing all of your duties as a father, husband, and employee. Even in the midst of your pain, discomfort, and emotional distress, you’re trying to figure out how things will go on for your family. Who’s going to take the kids to school? Who can make dinner? How will I ever meet that deadline? How are we going to survive financially until I recover?
These are all natural responses, but, focusing so much of your energy on the dynamic changes this unfortunate circumstance has caused will only stress you out and prolong your efforts to recover. The objective here is to get better. As hard as it’s going to be to sit back and focus on your own needs for a change, it’s what’s best for you and your family. Here is some advice on how to take care of yourself.
Follow the Doctor’s Orders
When visiting the doctor it is extremely important that you listen to what they have to say. They are medical experts for a reason and know exactly how to help you recover. Whether they recommend you stay off your feet for a while, visit a specialist, take certain medications, or go to physical therapy, follow these orders to a tee. If the recommended solutions aren’t working, discuss this with your doctor so you can come up with an alternative plan of action together.
Ask for Help
You can’t be expected to do everything on your own as you would if you were in good health. That’s what older children, spouses, parents, family members, and friends are for. To try and keep some regularity to your routine, ask others to pitch in. They are more than willing to help you. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, spending time with the kids, transporting you to the doctor, or just being their as good company, chances are you won’t have any trouble getting the help you need.
Be Mindful of Medication
If you’ve been seriously injured you have likely been prescribed high-grade painkillers like opiates. They can be great for providing temporary pain relief but can be dangerous if you’re not careful. As much as you want to numb the pain and get back to normal, it is imperative that you never take more pain medication that your doctor prescribed. Taking more than prescribed can lead to addiction. If you’re abusing pain meds it is best that you get help with your addiction. A rehab facility will help you with understanding physical withdrawal from opiates, kicking the habit, and learning new coping mechanisms for your pain and emotional suffering.
Get Some Rest
Part of recovering from serious injuries means getting enough rest. Your body is using all of its energy to heal and, therefore, needs a break. If you’re having a hard time sleeping from the pain or discomfort consider adjusting things to accommodate your needs. You can try sleeping with lots of pillows or in a recliner, applying hot and cold therapy to your injuries for additional pain relief, or taking a nice shower or bath before turning in.
Eat Healing Foods
Your body needs all the help it can get during recovery and there are some things you can do easily. Eating clean foods with healing properties, for instance, is a great start. Protein, of course, is the building block for strong muscle mass and tone, but there are other foods you need to incorporate into your diet to get better. Foods rich in vitamin c, d, zinc, calcium, and fiber are all recommended.
You’re only one person and though your job as a parent is never done, you can’t be expected to be super dad when you’re suffering from injuries. The only way to truly recover (and quickly) is to follow the doctor’s orders, take medication as prescribed, ask people you know for help, and get plenty of rest. In doing these things you’re giving your mind and body the fighting chance they need to heal. Before you know it, you’ll be back to your super self ready to take on the world.
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This content is sponsored by Anne Davis.
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