Life can be unpredictable. Slipping on a wet floor or sustaining a sudden fall down a flight of stairs are common accidents that can happen even to people who are cautious and healthy overall. When an accident like this happens, sometimes a serious injury, such as a sprained ankle, a broken leg, or worse, can occur as a result. 

Victims of injuries like these not only experience a lot of aches and pains, and sometimes an inability to get around on their own, they can also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, many months or even years after an accident has occurred. If a person you care about, or you, have sustained an injury that has prevented you from working or living life as you normally would, here are a few tips that can help you get your started on a journey to improving your health.

If you have a broken arm, are recovering from surgery, or have another injury that prevents you from doing the tasks you normally would in your everyday life, it is essential to ask friends and family for help. Having the support of people who can take care of your cleaning, cooking, errands, bills and laundry will give you peace of mind and let you concentrate on your recovery.

Having company when you are injured can also make you feel less lonely. Talking with a friend, or even just having someone to watch television with, can help keep your spirits up and ward off the symptoms of depression.

If your injury occurred as a result of a car accident, while you were at work, or when you were visiting a business, you might want to consider hiring a lawyer. An attorney can help you recover the cost of medical care resulting from your injury as well as lost wages. According to SteinLaw.com, a personal injury attorney in Florida, “When a person is injured in an accident, choosing a qualified and competent lawyer is essential. In fact, for any legal issue a person is burdened with, the choice of a lawyer is the first step to achieving the maximum recovery for any given case.”

Taking care of yourself by eating well, exercising and taking time to work on hobbies and relax with friends is always important, but never more so than when you are healing from an injury. A proper diet can help your body recover physically and enhance your mood. Exercise, even if it is just a quick stroll around the block, is also essential for your mental and physical wellbeing. Taking time out for hobbies, to have coffee with a friend, or read a good book can also help keep your mind off of your injury while you recover.

If you are unable to get out without help, don’t worry. Internet services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video give you access to thousands of films and TV programs. Tablet readers like the Amazon Kindle, Kobo, iPad or Barnes and Noble Nook will allow you to instantly download just about any book you want to read. A lot of electronic media, including audio books, movies and music videos, are also available to download for free from many public libraries. 

Sadly, there are literally thousands of cats, dogs and other types of pets living in shelters across the United States, just waiting for a caring person to give them a home. Adopting a pet can have several health benefits for someone who has been injured. There is evidence that people who have strong relationships with their pets are healthier overall, feel less lonely, are happier, have a lower risk of having a stroke or a heart attack, and experience lower levels of stress and anxiety than people who do not have pets at home. Taking care of a cat or dog can also help take your mind off of your injury.

Just the knowledge that you gave a former shelter pet a stable, loving home can create feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Animals, especially dogs, can also be good icebreakers when it comes to meeting new people, making it easier for you to socialize. Having to walk a dog a couple of times a day will ensure that you are getting some exercise. And when you have recovered from your injury, your pet will be there with you to share the good times.