Think of any sport and the first thing that will come to mind is uncertainty. The moment you step out to play, you are bound to be greeted by countless uncertainties.
Take this for an example: You need to score a total of 350 in 50 overs. Now, scoring at a rate of seven right from the outset is not going to be easy. Also, you don’t know how the pitch will behave. The quality of the opposition’s bowling attack in is also not known to you. So, it won’t be wrong to say that uncertainties form the heart and soul of sport.
Uncertainties make the game beautiful and worth playing, but there is nothing good about some uncertainties, such as injuries. Injuries are powerful enough to demotivate just about anybody.
No matter how good a player you are, a severe injury can end up derailing your career as a sportsperson.
While recovering from an injury, mental conditioning is just as important as physical strength. Injuries can put a question mark on your playing career. Therefore, mental conditioning holds a lot of importance. You can get in touch with Bioflow if you are in need of conditioning equipment.
Coming back to mental conditioning, you need to keep a lot of things in mind if you are planning to take the field after recovering from a sports injury.
Here are a few things that need to be kept in mind:
Let it heal
OK, this part is important. If you’ve suffered a sports injury, you’ll need to give yourself a considerable amount of time. You need time because your injury will not heal overnight if a considerable amount of damage has been suffered. Don’t rush with things. Let it take its time. Also, hold counselling sessions with mental health coaches. They will help you in your bid to bounce back stronger.
Try not to get demotivated
This part holds a lot of importance. At times, athletes tend to get bogged down because of an injury. No sports person likes to warm the benches owing to an injury. If a sportsman remains of the fringes for too long, he is bound to feel demotivated. No matter how good a sports person you are, injuries can end up getting the better of you. Under such circumstances, you need to accept things. Acceptance holds the key. You need to grow through all of the tough times thinking it’s all part of a much bigger scheme of things.
Make note of what needs to be done
Medical help holds the key to your recovery. Again, you need to make sure that all of the necessary check-ups are being done. Ensure that dosages are correct. Have a strict schedule in place. Also, start moving the injured part – slowly and gradually. Get the affected part checked even after the injury has subsided. As a sportsperson, you cannot take chances.
Give yourself time
Time can heal the biggest of wounds. Well, that might sound a bit poetic but it does hold true in most cases. Patience holds the key for you as well. No matter how bad the injury is, you’ll be able to get over it with the passage of time. You just need to have faith in yourself and in your abilities.
So, here are a few tips and tricks that will help you bounce back if and when you are recovering from an injury. Remember, it’s all in your mind. If you think you will be able to get over your injuries, then you certainly will.
Helen Bradfield did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
