Busy parent here with a fun story…
At the end of August (2023), I had nerve decompression surgery on my left foot, which temporarily put my obstacle course racing plans on hold.
The purpose of the surgery: to eliminate pain from two adjacent neuromas in the ball of my foot. I had tried PT and other treatment alternatives over the two years prior to that with little success.
A couple months after the surgery, when I was beginning to question my return to running and OCR training, I was surprised with an event that scared the living shit out of me.
I went to bed one evening and felt massive pain in the left side of my chest, along with sudden shortness of breath. I took an ER to the hospital where I later learned that I had experienced a pulmonary embolism. At some point after my foot surgery, two little clots had presumably made their way from my foot to my calf and eventually to my left lung. Nothing that rest, patience, and blood thinners couldn’t resolve, though…
Talk about another obstacle. I had tried to do something that I thought would help me get back to training, and instead of helping me, I was set back even further. The Universe – or God – was trying to tell me something. I sure had a lot of uncertainty at that point, but I was certain about a couple things: no matter what my physical body was going through, I would keep my mind moving forward and focus on what I could control.
The Unexpected Detour: When Health Hurdles Impede Fitness Goals
As a busy parent, you may have a lot on your plate – work, family, and household responsibilities. It’s not uncommon for fitness goals to take a backseat amidst these competing priorities. However, the situation can become incredibly frustrating when medical issues threaten to derail your progress. Whether it’s a chronic condition, disability, or injury, dealing with health challenges can be tough. In this blog post, we’ll explore 5 coping strategies that can help you thrive despite the obstacles. All five have been immensely valuable for me as a busy parent while recovering from my medical issues. Here they are:
Five Resilience-Building Strategies for Pursuing Fitness Goals Amidst Health Challenges
Shift your mindset
Medical issues can be demotivating, but remember that fitness isn’t just about appearance. It’s also about feeling good, building strength, and improving your overall health – even mental health. Instead of focusing on the things you can’t do, find alternative activities that suit your condition. For instance, if you have back pain, you can try swimming or yoga instead of lifting weights. If you have a disability, you can explore adaptive sports or specialized workout programs. The goal is to embrace what you can do and keep your eyes on the big picture. For me, that meant working on my NASM CPT certification and doing short walks or bicycling to build up my lung strength.
Seek professional guidance
Depending on the severity of your medical issue, you might need to consult with a healthcare provider or a fitness professional. They can help you understand your limitations, identify safe and effective exercise options, and create a personalized plan that works for you. Remember to be honest with them about your concerns, goals, and preferences, so they can provide the best support. It’s also a good idea to stay up-to-date on your condition and seek medical advice if there are any changes that affect your fitness.
Build a supportive network
Coping with medical issues can be isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or online communities that share your experience. Having a support system can give you motivation, accountability, and emotional well-being. This is very important as a busy parent. You can also ask for help with childcare, household chores, or other responsibilities that may interfere with your recovery. By building a network that understands your struggles and cheers your progress, you can find the courage to keep going.
Prioritize self-care
Dealing with medical issues can be draining, physically and mentally. It’s essential to prioritize self-care practices that help you recharge and stay resilient. This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and practicing relaxation techniques. It’s also not selfish to take care time for yourself if it will restore you. In fact, this is essential for you and your loved ones. By making self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, you can reduce the impact of medical issues on your fitness dreams.
Celebrate small victories as a busy parent
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate every small victory that you achieve. Whether it’s walking an extra block, climbing stairs without struggling to breathe, or managing pain better, every step counts. Acknowledge your progress, praise yourself for your effort, and keep moving forward. Remember, fitness is a journey, not a destination. By celebrating the little wins, you can stay motivated, inspired, and proud of yourself.
Conclusion
Dealing with medical issues as a busy parent can be challenging, especially when it threatens your fitness goals. However, by shifting your mindset, seeking professional guidance, building a supportive network, prioritizing self-care, and celebrating small victories, you can cope with these obstacles. You can thrive in the process. At the time of this writing, it’s nearing the end of 2023. However, I haven’t given up on my dream to get back into obstacle course racing. You shouldn’t give up on your dreams either.
As a busy parent, taking care of your health and fitness is not only about you. It’s also about setting an example for your family and creating a better future. With patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude, you can turn your medical challenges into opportunities for growth and strength.
Does this post resonate with you? Please share your thoughts below. I’d love to hear about your past/current medical challenges and how you got through them.
