You know you are on the road to wellness when you get bored while recovering. You know what the doctor said or what that handout the nurse gave you at the hospital says, but you are a bit tired of stopping yourself from doing things you have always done. However, it is for your own good, take your time, start off with light tasks and before long you are back to your old self again! Yep, that's what I said to myself. I needed to follow instructions, because the last thing I wanted to do was end up back in the hospital again.
I had six weeks to recover before I would be working again and as tempting as it was to be all things to everyone else by week two, I didn't. My body reminded me as I breathed heavily while wondering what that sharp pain was after standing a bit, "Sit your @ss, down!" So I listened. I spent time concentrating more on slow breathing and relaxing. I didn't fill my head or busy my eyes with entertainment that was only going to do nothing more than add to my stress. I also stayed away from controversial discussion as much as possible and tried to remain light-hearted. My room was my safe haven and so I made the most of it.
There was this device called the Cubi. I decided to use that while I breathed slow breaths. I also used a floor mat and stretched. I had found safe exercises for people who had the kind of surgery I had so I proceeded to move my body slowly.
I watched what I ate. I didn't allow myself to each too much of anything i.e.) fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, and a limited amount of chips and desserts. I made a point to move after a meal and sometimes I simply drank smoothies when I had no desire to eat a complete meal.
As I grew stronger, there were other medical appointments to consider, things I had put off for quite some time. So I started making those appointments for things like eyes and teeth. I found that involving myself in others' lives when called upon was helpful. I knew people needed me so I began to spend less time focused on self and began to drive again.
Reading was and still is a help. The nonfiction books were integral especially the Bible during tough times. Internet surfing on sites I hadn't been on in a long time was like visiting a hometown, so much had changed! I also noticed what I needed to be done around the house, so instead of taking on those tasks, I delegated responsibilities. I didn't allow pride to get in the way of needing some help.
Boredom may have showed up a time or two and when it did, I found myself playing board games with my son, conversing with people I hadn't talked to in awhile, and organizing some stuff on my computers and in my room. I also got certified for an online program I had signed up for.
The best advice I can give anyone who is where I had been, make the best use of your time, by starting off with the small things that you didn't bother to do before your circumstances showed up and changed your life. I listed daily some of the things I most wanted to accomplish. I was able to get many done and will do more when I have the free time again. Now my focus these days is work, I did it! The doctors were right, take your time, but whatever you do, be mobile whenever you can, eat and socialize healthy!
