Life in this day and age can be busy…really busy! Between work, family, social life and all the other things we try and cram into our lives, it can feel like we’re trying to balance 100 things or more all at once. And then you pay a visit to your physio to address that knee injury that is slowing you down and they recommend you do some home exercises to help. If the first thought that crosses your mind is “how on earth can I fit anything else into my busy schedule?” then here are some strategies to help you continue your balancing act:
1. Work smarter, not harder
I am a big fan of being creative with your time to maximise every second. It is amazing how much you can fit into your life when you use every moment. Try and be creative about when you do your exercises. Calf rises could be done while brushing your teeth or waiting for the kettle to boil. Use getting up moments to do 5 squats every time you get out of a chair. Set alarms on your computer at work to remind you to do your neck stretches throughout the day at work.
2. Prioritise
Make a list at the start of the day with everything you think you can get done and the prioritise them from most important, to least important. If you put your exercises towards the top of the list, you are more likely to get them done as they will be at the forefront of your mind.
3. Communicate
If you are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of things you need to do, speak to your physio. As much as we try not to overwhelm our patients with exercises, we would much rather you tell us that you are not coping with the amount you have to do. Like in life, some exercises are more important than others, so we can help you prioritise the ones you should be doing more often.
So there you have it! Three simple ways to make a list of rehab that looks impossible to achieve a little more realistic.