Rehabilitation and Recovery – Staying Focused this Holiday Period
The Christmas period is undoubtedly the busiest time of year, with the organising of presents, preparing for Christmas Day and trying to fit in some relaxation time. For some it is exciting and busy while for others it can be a challenging time when relationships or circumstances are not as we would like them to be. When it comes to maintaining rehabilitation or recovery during this period, it can be difficult to stay focused.
Our recovery is a journey, we build on it each day by taking active steps forward. By neglecting rehabilitation and becoming unfocused, we can stop moving forward which may delay recovery or impact our success.
At Rehab Management, we acknowledge that a variety of stressors and uncontrollable factors can cause you to stray off course with your recovery routine throughout this period, so we’re taking a look at the underlying challenges of maintaining rehabilitation regimes and some tips and tricks to help you continue your journey to wellness.
What kind of challenges will you be likely to face coming into the Christmas period?
Here are a few disruptors we’ve identified:
Family, friends and social events.
It’s a great time of year to celebrate with friends and family, but it is easy to get caught up in the fun of it all. On the other hand, not being able to see friends and family due to personal circumstances, i.e. being unable to travel, or strained relationships, can have a negative effect on your mental health. This can lead to the neglecting of your regular rehabilitation routine and exercises.
Change in routine.
Taking a break from your everyday routine and getting into “holiday” mode can factor into not keeping up with your rehab program, whereby there’s less physical activity and changes in sleep routines such as staying up later and sleeping longer in the morning. Taking a ‘holiday’ from our regular exercises is not helpful to our overall wellbeing. Its important to find ways to fit it into your holiday routine.
Close of business/practice.
Without regular checking in, it can be difficult to remain on track during shutdown of business. The usual supports may not be there if there is an issue or if you need to speak to a professional about your progress and recovery. In addition, places of work will likely shut down over Christmas, where individuals have less interaction and contact with others.
Taking all these factors into account, here are a couple tips to help combat these challenges and thrive in your recovery program during this period.
Goal Setting
Setting small, measurable goals is a great strategy to maintain regular rehabilitation routines and exercises. We advise checking with your treatment provider as to what activities you’ll need to complete, but try and make it a goal to complete them daily, such as turning it into a game where you reward yourself each time your tasks are complete. Celebrate your successes!
Positive Reflection
2020 was an unprecedented year, with many happy and sad memories to reflect upon. It’s important to look back positively upon the year that was and revise your achievements. Did you hit a milestone with your recovery? Did you have success on a project either at work or at home? Have you had positive relationships? Write yourself a list of positive things you can celebrate and revise for when you don’t feel so positive.
Find a Buddy
Our friends and family want the best for us, so discuss your rehab goals with an individual that can keep you motivated and on track.
Keep Moving
A great strategy to stay in great mental shape is to keep moving forward. If you miss a day of rehab or couldn’t finish your regime, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead of letting it become a downhill run, change your perspective and dust yourself off to get back into it.
Rehab Management is shutting from 12:30pm on the 24th December, to the 4th January. However, we still have staff available over the Christmas period if you have any questions or are looking for support.
We hope you enjoy your festive season and focus on your rehab journey, but also finding time to do the activities you enjoy.
