After my second foot surgery I felt pretty blue. I had already been relatively sedentary for the previous 3 months, and just when I was getting back on my feet I started the entire process over again on the other foot. It made me reflect that an injury is not just challenging physically, but can also do a number on your mental psyche as well. Here are a few tips I incorporated to help refuel my tank that put a smile back on my face and positive outlook on my recovery process.
A Few Ways I Refuel My Tank
Jennifer McCamish
1. Girl's Weekend
There is nothing better for the soul than a weekend with your closest friends who support you no matter what frame of mind you are in. Add some wine and a beautiful sunset over the lake and boom. Feeling better instantly!
2. Take Class
Even though I modified the entire class, I still received wonderful endorphins from doing even the littlest of movement. Not to mention that the community at Dancers Shape really kept me going. It is a wonderful feeling to know people care about your recovery and you are not alone in the process.
3. Sitting Down to Drink My Morning Coffee
I typically drink my coffee and do some serious multi-tasking - get ready, make my bed, prepare my breakfast and lunch, clean up the kitchen. Ugh - I get exhausted just thinking about it. After my foot surgery I couldn’t do these things so I just sat and drank my coffee either in peace, reading, or tuning into some morning news. It was a great way to start my day by taking some me time in the morning before I began work. I have kept this habit and love it.
4. Get Outside in Nature
During this process I sat on my couch quite a bit icing and began to realize how much I missed nature with my walks and hikes. So I took a trip out to visit my friend on her ranch in west Texas. Not only was it gorgeous and peaceful but there is something special about calming about seeing wildlife in its natural element. Plus I had more friend time which brings me to my last refueling tip.
5. Take a Break From Your Cell & Computer
Since I was out in the middle of nowhere at my friend’s ranch there was no cell service. This truly allowed me to relax and decompress from continually grabbing my phone and giving myself reminders of the things I needed to do when I got home. Plus it was so nice to have conversations with dear friends without phones dinging or people checking social media sites during chatting. True uninterrupted peace and conversations! Here are some more tips on unplugging.
About the Author
Jennifer McCamish is the owner of Dancers Shape, a Pilates and barre fitness studio in Austin, Texas. A former NYC Radio City Rockette with over 30 years of dance experience and training from legendary institutes around the country, McCamish has worked or performed with many well-known celebrities, television shows and publications. Utilizing her professional knowledge and education, she created Dancers Shape, a unique approach to fitness, incorporating elements of ballet, yoga, Pilates and circuit training to efficiently build strength and muscle tone while maintaining a lean and nimble body. McCamish holds a BA in Dance from the University of Texas in Austin, Athletic Training in Injury Prevention for Dancers from Radio City Entertainment, is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor including Injuries and Special Populations, Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer, IDEA Fitness and Wellness member, and is certified in CPR-First Aid. She is a certified instructor including injuries, special populations and golf conditioning. Read more about Jennifer.