Injury and Illness can strike us at the most unexpected times in our lives; often times disrupting our schedules and our families. These events can shake us and create negative thoughts or they can build us up and create a positive mental health environment for us to grow.
Studies show that patients who are recovering from heart attacks, strokes, and other physical injuries benefit from positive thinking. While most would think that rehabilitation is all about physical progress, we forget that mental positivity is just as important. In fact, more rehabilitation centers are starting to offer mental health counseling for patients to ensure that they maintain a positive mindset throughout their recovery.
These mental health programs are needed especially with patients who suffer from disabilities caused by their injury or illness. Below are some tips that these programs provide to patients and family members for simple ways to stay positive while in rehabilitation:
- Identify Negative Thinking
- Sometimes we don’t realize that we are thinking negatively until our mood proves otherwise: Try not to focus on the negative aspects of the situation, expect a negative outcome, and try not to take the situation and blame yourself.
- If you are a family member, try to discourage your loved one from this type of thinking
- Brainstorm Problem Solving Steps
- It is easy to get discouraged about your progress or your situation, but you can catch yourself and turn your negative thinking into a positive experience
- Ask yourself what you can do to avoid giving up or which strategies you can use to make it through your recovery. This creates a problem solving affect that helps you discover different ways to persevere
- Learning Positive Thinking/Affirmations
- Positive thoughts can lead to positive actions so repeating positive affirmation can prove to be beneficial
- Focus on the progress you are making even if it is small; little steps can lead to large accomplishments
- Repeat good affirmation such as, “I’m trying my best and making progress” or “I’m strong and I will work hard to recover”
- Focus on Healthy Relationships and Engaging in Hobbies
- It is easy to isolate yourself during recovery; stay in touch with friends even if its’ a call or text away
- Spend quality time with family to maintain morale
- Find an outlet for your emotions by engaging in hobbies that help you relax and feel positive; something to look forward to
- Journal/Self Reflect
- Document your journey through recovery by jotting down thoughts within a journal. Even writing down negative thoughts can be a healthy way of expressing your feelings to make room for positive growth
- Write down a few things a day that you are thankful for along with any positive milestones
Believe in positivity and you’ll be Rock Solid!
