If you find yourself off work after an accident it can feel like someone hit the pause button on your life. One minute you're juggling deadlines or stacking boxes or running machinery, and the next you're juggling ice packs and daytime TV runs and you're laying in bed. It's a very strange shift, but it doesn't have to knock you off course completely.

Sometimes it's a sprain, other times it's a fracture, and sometimes it's a whole lot of doctors appointments due to a pullback. Here's how you can manage the time away without losing your momentum or your mind.

Get the legal stuff out of the way. Before you do anything else when it comes to your recovery, you need to take care of the boring but important things like paperwork and getting support if the accident you had wasn't your fault or if it happened at work, Speaking to an experienced team of personal injury attorneys early can help you to understand what you're entitled to. Compensation, medical bills, time off, these are all things that can truly add up and having someone in your corner helps make sense of everything.

Create a daily routine. It sounds very strange, but when you don't have the structure of work anymore it can make you feel out of sorts. Having a loose structure to your day when you're recovering can help you a lot more than you think. Waking up around the same time, getting dressed and having some light activities scheduled can really help. A routine gives your brain some much needed rhythm and makes the days feel way more manageable.
Stay connected to the world. Being homebound can feel very isolating. While your coworkers are still doing their thing, you might feel like you've been sidelined. Stay connected through quick messages, social media, and casually check in with your boss via email from time to time. Let your friends and family know how you're doing.Sometimes a little outside conversation is the best medicine.
Don't feel guilty about resting. It's important that you focus on your recovery and understand that you're not being lazy. You are recovering, whether you're dealing with physical pain or just trying to adjust to a slower pace. Healing takes time, so don't pressure yourself to be productive every second of the day. Some days are made for progress and others are made for rest, and both are very valid.
Find something that feels like progress. When you're used to working everyday, it can feel very strange to sit still, but you can find something small that makes you feel accomplished, whether that's completing a puzzle or reading a new book. Every tiny victory you have can boost your mood and help to make recovery feel a little bit more empowering.

It's not easy to have a short break from work, but you do need to recover if you've had an accident. Whether the accident happened at work or not is irrelevant. The point is your body and your mind still need time.

How to Manage When You're Off Work After an Accident