Recovering from an accident, a severe illness, or surgery requires careful effort and patience. The path to recovery is often riddled with obstacles you could only imagine. Simply sitting around and waiting to feel better may delay the recovery process and a more proactive mindset can often speed up this process. Consider these options if recovery is your main concern as it can be more quickly achieved by following these four tips.
Eat Healthy
A nutritious diet is essential for helping the body to heal quickly and completely. If the doctor did not recommend a specific diet, plan meals around the five basic food groups of protein, dairy, grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Aim for the age-specific calorie intake that is appropriate for someone recovering from a physical condition, and include one or two healthy snacks between meals.
Stay Mobile
Most doctors want their patients out of bed and fairly active during the recovery phase. Ask the doctor for specific guidelines about how much activity, and type, you should be involved in. People who are very weak may only be able to get into a Knee Walker Shop wheelchair or roller for a short time at first. Others might be able to take a few steps, increasing their walking time each day. Work with the doctor or a physical therapist associated with your condition to optimize mobility and facilitate recovery. Mobility strengthens a person’s muscles and bones while helping him or her to become steadier on their feet and reduce the risk of falling.
Follow the Doctor’s Orders
It is important to understand the physician’s specific orders for a successful recovery. If physical or occupational rehab is ordered, for example, the patient should follow the orders as directed, unless symptoms suggest otherwise. Taking the right medication on time is also important. Failure to follow through on the doctor’s guidelines may disrupt the healing process.
Enjoy Social Activities
Getting involved in social activities during recovery plays a key role in restoring the person’s health. Talking and laughing with friends and relatives or participating in activities that are suited to the recovering person’s abilities helps to make the time pass more pleasantly and promotes vital social interaction. Without connecting to others, a person who is trying to heal may feel isolated and unloved, which can actually deter recovery.
Getting well takes time. However, a patient who is working through recovery following a significant injury, illness, or surgery can take a proactive approach to encourage more rapid and complete healing. Taking good care of both body and mind will promote a sense of well-being that goes hand-in-hand with a speedy recovery.