Fully recovering from a hip replacement can take months, which may feel like forever if you're not able to do your usual activities. But within just a few short weeks, you'll be back on your feet and fending for yourself again. Here are a couple of things you can do to keep yourself motivated throughout the recovery process post hip surgery:
Make Small Daily Goals
One of the best ways to stay motivated while you're recovering from hip replacement surgery is to take the time to make small daily goals for yourself each morning when you wake up. It's a good idea to make your goals the same morning of the day you want to achieve them so you can make your goals based on how you physically and mentally feel when you wake up. Make small goals that you won't have to stress over to achieve but that will make you feel good once you complete them. Here are a few ideas to consider adding to your own personal list of daily goals:
- Get around the house all day without the use of a walker or cane.
- Take a complete walk around the block with minimal rest breaks, if any at all.
- Complete 10 solid minutes of light yoga or meditation to relieve stress.
Spend a couple of days brainstorming some daily goal ideas and create a running list that you can refer to when deciding what to challenge yourself with for the day.
Participate in a Support Group
It may be tempting to spend your recovery time at home alone as much as possible, but it's important to get out and engage with a support group of some type for the first few weeks after hip replacement surgery. Not only will attending weekly or bi-weekly support groups help motivate you, but they'll ensure that you have a social life as you recuperate and that those you spend time with know exactly what you are going through. Find an orthopedic support group at a hospital, community center, or other public facility within your community and join it just before having your hip replacement surgery so you're more likely to utilize the service once you get home to recover.
Utilizing these two tips should help ensure that your recovery after hip replacement surgery is less stressful and more enjoyable overall. Take the time to make a list of your own ideas that can be used during the recuperation period for even more ease and convenience. Speak with your orthopaedic surgeon for more tips.
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