This is a topic that has been on my mind the last few weeks as I continue to recover from a stress fracture (at least that is what we are calling it because I really cant be 100% certain as the doctor zoomed in and maybe saw something).
For those who don’t know me, I love going to the gym. I love trying new workouts. The gym is like my playground, so many things to do and so little time. It is my time to destress from the corporate life. The gym is my happy place. Time for myself. Time to play. Without that time, I am more depressed. I don’t know what to do and usually end up just sitting on the couch watching Gilmore Girls.
Of course with this injury I have learned to step back. It was hard at first, knowing that I couldn’t go to zumba each week but I also knew that that was only going to hurt me more so I had to listen. I added more swimming into my workouts to replace that. Even though that wasn’t the same, it helped and improved my swimming so that’s a win.
Then I got a shoe for 3 weeks and suddenly I couldn’t do downdog, vinyasa or lunge in yoga. I took a week off from teaching to rest and mostly practice warm up and cool down postures at home. I practiced “teaching” by talking through the poses and sequences I have made.
During this time I learned it was ok to take a break. I am always so go go go. I did more stretching and restorative yoga at home and told myself that my body needed to heal.
I wont lie. It was hard. But it did get a little easier as time went. I focused on what I could do.
Swimming is probably my favorite type of cardio next to zumba. Swimming is like my running. I can still swim a mile before running a mile. Some people don’t get that but I know a huge part of it is because I know how to breathe while swimming.
A couple weeks ago, I went swimming after a rough night of tossing and turning. A mile long to do list awaited, but I made swimming (my workout) a priority that day as it helps me to clear my head. I am so grateful for that swim. It helped me to be more productive with my to do list when I got home.
One thing I couldn’t do for a while was downdog. I also am still working on lunging with my right foot back but I can do downdog again and even a plank on my toes thanks to some physical therapy help to get over the fear of bending my toes again. I can flow through a vinyasa slowly but I still can not last an entire class. I still half coach my class through as my toes regain strength.
Focusing on what I can do, the positive, has helped me through this injury. It also helped teach me to slow down. Some nights I may just play some music and meditate and breathe for a few minutes. A few moments of peace can be so powerful. I am an introvert and I need my me time and quiet time. While I have dealt with the frustration of this injury, it has also been quite the learning experience. i even learned some more anatomy! I also learned how important my yoga practice is for my health. It helps to improve my balance and strengthen my body from my arms to my legs and toes. I love how yoga can be modified so that you can either have a powerful sweaty class or a calm slow restorative class. And it’s not just physical benefits but also mental benefits so whether I have a good day or a bad day, yoga is there.
At the end of the day, focus on the positive! What went well? What are you grateful for?
If you are having a tough time finding something positive, maybe just taking a moment to move your body through your favorite exercise or play some music and sing along or play instrumental music and meditate.
Thanks Amanda for letting me think out loud.
What helps you get through a tough time?
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