Visualize success.
As much as you’ve missed your regular routine, ramping up running postinjury is often nerve-wracking. Create mental movies of yourself striding strong to restore self-confidence, suggests Jackson-Cheadle. In one study, guided imagery sessions reduced athletes’ anxiety and improved knee flexibility faster after ACL surgery. Can’t picture it? Use an app like Headspace, which offers guided meditations on rehab and recovery.
Follow a leader.
Seeking out recovery role models can increase feelings of control, confidence, and connectedness, all of which suffer when you’re sidelined, says Podlog. Whether it’s an elite—like Olympic marathoner Meb Keflezighi, who’s overcome tendinopathy, a ruptured quad, and a pelvic stress fracture—or a real-life friend, take hope (and tips, if they’re qualified) from others who’ve rebounded.
Remember your why.
In his research, Podlog found that injured…
