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Getting injured during summer break was not on my agenda. I had envisioned an active summer filled with walks, gym sessions, and trips to the park with my kids – anything that kept me moving.

But life had other plans, and a fall left me with three stitches below my knee. While the injury wasn’t severe, it was enough to sideline my plans and force me to rethink how I could make the most of my summer break.

Here are my tips for overcoming an unexpected injury and salvaging your summer.

Pause: Protect Your Mental Health

As I sat in the emergency room, all I could think about were the activities I wouldn’t be able to do. The realization hit me hard. As my plans unraveled, I felt overwhelmed, sad, and defeated.

That wave of defeat brought a flood of emotions I couldn’t ignore. It forced me to pause and reflect on my mental health.

Journaling became a quiet but powerful tool, helping me track small wins each week and stay connected to my progress. I also allowed myself to be vulnerable and accept help when it was offered. I’ve learned that this isn’t a sign of weakness but a strength in the healing process.

Pivot: Prioritize Healing

Even though my injury wasn’t as severe as it could have been, it still came as a shock. I felt discouraged and disappointed, but I quickly realized that prioritizing my healing was essential for both me and my family.

It’s frustrating when your plans suddenly revolve around limitations. My summer goals included staying active, hitting the gym, starting a jogging routine, and keeping my kids active every day. But with the injury, I had to pivot and adjust my expectations. I adapted and found different ways to stay engaged and make the summer enjoyable while respecting the healing process.

I’ve learned that progress isn’t about pushing through pain. It’s about listening to your body, adapting to the situation, and following your doctor’s guidance to support a full recovery. Summer doesn’t have to come to a halt; it can simply take a more mindful and intentional path.

Adapt: Focus on Low-Impact Activities

Although my injury wasn’t major, the stitches on my knee made it painful to walk, bend my leg, or climb stairs. Despite these limitations, I still wanted movement. Even something as simple as stepping outside for fresh air became a small but meaningful effort. I attended most of my son’s baseball games, which did wonders for my mental health.

Rather than dwelling on what I couldn’t do, I focused on what I could do. Walking wasn’t an option, but I still found joy in sitting outside with my laptop, catching up on schoolwork, and watching my kids run around the yard. Those slower, quieter moments brought me a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Resilience through Recovery

An injury might change your summer, but it doesn’t have to ruin it. You can replace a summer of high-energy plans with one of intentional engagement. Embrace new, low-impact activities while prioritizing your healing and mental health.

Overcoming a setback like this can be about more than just healing your body. It can be a path to discovering your resilience and finding peace even when things don’t go as planned.

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