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When Not to Push

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When you are an overachiever with oodles of self-discipline, it’s relatively painless to make fitness a priority. Not to say I haven’t experienced the occasional lull in my exercise regimen, but for the most part, I stay pretty darn active and have created some steadfast habits.

Which is great — most of the time — until I really should slow down. But as easy as it is for me to go, go, go; it’s equally as hard for me to stop.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving, I slipped down some stairs, rolled my ankle but continued on my merry way — it wasn’t that bad. That evening, when I did stop to rest, it stiffened up and started to throb. By bedtime my foot could bear no weight and it hurt like a beyotch.

Sunday was spent on the couch with my good friend R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation); by Monday I was good to go. Mentally. Not physically. That morning, instead of taking it easy, I limped my way to the gym. Nothing wrong with the upper half of my body, so might as well work out, right?

Wrong. It was silly. There’s “making fitness a priority” and then there’s being a hardhead. The day after my workout it hurt like hell — again. All that extra hobbling around only set my recovery back. So I quarantined myself to the house and stayed off of my foot as much as I could.

For the next five days I had to come up with something to keep my twitchy butt occupied. When you are sick, it’s easy to vegetate and stare at mindless daytime TV, but when 97 percent of your body is longing to move, that’s another story.

It took me a couple of weeks to get back to full speed. It’s a short list, but these things helped me occupy time while I recovered.

healthy-injured

4 Ways to Not Go Crazy When You’re Injured

Go deep. Treat your meditation like a workout and your brain like a muscle. Focus is a skill that requires a lot of practice. Now that you’ve got time, go longer and deeper into your meditative practice or try a number of mini-meditations throughout the day.

Get educated. When’s the last time you read something besides fictional fluff? History, science, biography — grab a book that’ll get you some learning!

Get Inspired. If you lack motivation, re-ignite that fire and get fit with one of these inspirational reads – once you’re back on two feet of course!

Use Your Screened Devices Wisely. Instead of watching a marathon of Orange Is The New Black, hone your cooking skills with Grokker cooking videos.

I’m proud of my healthy lifestyle, but if I want to continue to stay active I must learn to practice patience and moderation in all aspects of my life. I’m lucky I didn’t screw up something in my foot with my overzealous behavior.

How do you cope with convalescence? Daily fitness has become a routine part of my life. When I don’t move my body it feels wrong; it’d be like a day without brushing my teeth! —Karen

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