Physical Therapy and New Year’s Resolutions
Here’s a look at some of the similarities between physical therapy and new year’s resolutions, and how to overcome some of the difficulties of following through with each.
- It’s Not Easy–It is not easy to follow through with your resolutions, and oftentimes the same can be said about your physical therapy routine. It’s going to take hard work to see each through to the end. Acknowledging and accepting this will make it easier to follow through on your commitment each and every day.
- Developing A New Routine–Both physical therapy and new year’s resolutions force you to develop a new routine. For some, that means waking up before work in order to go for a run, while for others it means waking up early to do their physical therapy routine. Getting in the daily habit of following through with a new routine is the basis for success for both physical therapy and your resolutions.
- Your Diet Plays A Big Part–The most common new year’s resolution is to lose weight or become healthier, and oftentimes our diet is at the center of this change. Your diet also plays a key role in following through with physical therapy. The foods you eat help give you energy to exercise or do your therapy routine, and similarly, poor food choices can leave us feeling lethargic and less likely to be active. Improving your diet will help with both your resolutions and your ability to follow through with physical therapy.
- It’s Ok To Ask For Help–If you run into trouble with any aspect of your physical therapy or sticking to your new year’s resolutions, it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s encouraged, because it will help you stay on track. See if a friend wants to take on your resolution with you or consult with your physical therapist if you have questions about a condition or an exercise. Lean on the resources you have, because they will help ensure your success.
- Recognize Small Achievements–Your leg fracture isn’t going to heal in a week, just like you’re not going to drop 30 pounds over the course of a few days. Instead of only looking at your progress as it pertains to your end goal, focus on the small wins along the way. Maybe you’re doing more reps, lifting heavier weights or down a couple pounds from the week before. When you recognize that you’re heading in the right direction, you’re more likely to continue along your path. Conversely, if you’re mad with your lack of progress compared to your end goal, it can prove to be a roadblock to success.
- It’ll Be Worth It–Finally, with both physical therapy and your New Year’s resolutions, know that it will be worth it in the long run. It will be hard work, it won’t always be easy, but the payoff will make it all worth it. Whenever you run into a moment of doubt or are questioning if you should give up, know that the hard work will pay off in the form of a renewed sense of health and physical function.
