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Recovering from an fractured foot isn’t just physically challenging—it can also be mentally draining. When you’re used to being active, suddenly having to slow down can feel frustrating. I was lucky enough to work from home, so eight hours of my day were dedicated to that, but outside of work, I had to find new ways to keep myself entertained and engaged. Here are five activities I did to to maintain mental wellness while recovering from injury.
Adjusting to Work-from-Home with a Cast – The first two weeks were the most challenging. I struggled to find an ergonomic setup that allowed me to work comfortably while keeping my leg elevated. Since I turned my desk into a standing desk by adding adjustable standing desk leg, I set it to a higher position and added a small platform to rest my leg. But in the beginning, I still needed to take breaks every 30–45 minutes to lie down and elevate my leg properly.
What helped the most was listening to my body—some days, I could work longer stretches, while others required more frequent breaks. I also experimented with different seating options, like using a recliner with a lap desk for a more relaxed setup. Over time, I found a rhythm that balanced productivity with healing. See my “The Ultimate Guide to Comfort and Mobility in a Cast” post for more ideas.
Outside of work, I spent most of my time watching TV or reading books, but that quickly became repetitive. I knew I needed to switch things up to keep my mind engaged. Here are some things that helped:
Learning a New Language with Duolingo – I had already been using Duolingo casually, but with more free time, I upgraded to Super Duolingo for unlimited practice. Now, I can confidently say, “Yo aprendo español.”
Rediscovering Old Hobbies – I remembered how much I loved coloring books as a kid, and there is no shortage of options. I got one with large print design along with some colored pencils. It turned out to be a relaxing and creative way to pass the time.
Why It’s Great for Recovery You may Ask:
✔ Boosts mindfulness – focusing on colors and patterns can be meditative
✔ Reduces stress and anxiety – promotes relaxation and mental clarity
✔ Keeps hands and mind engaged – great for passing the time during healing
Starting My Blog – I wanted to share my recovery journey, so I started researching how to build a website. After watching a few YouTube videos, I decided to go with Hostinger for its affordability and ease of use. It took some trial and error—choosing a theme, customizing the layout, and figuring out SEO basics—but I’m really happy with how it turned out! (It probably helped that I’m a software engineer and enjoy these kinds of projects.) Now that I’ve gone through the process, I’m considering writing a step-by-step guide on how to start a blog.
Get Fresh Air Whenever Possible – Being stuck indoors during recovery can feel isolating, but even a few minutes outside can do wonders for your mood and mental well-being. I did the following 3 to stay connected with the outdoors—it can make a big difference in how you feel during recovery.
✔ Step Outside When Possible – I made it a point to sit in the backyard for at least 10 minutes whenever I could. Just feeling the sun on my skin and hearing the sounds of nature helped break up the monotony of being inside.
✔ Join Outings in a Low-Impact Way – If my husband was taking our dogs to the lake, I’d tag along and sat in the car with the door open, letting the fresh air in and simply enjoying a change of scenery.
✔ Bring the Outdoors In – Open a window or sit by a balcony if stepping outside isn’t an option. Even a slight breeze and natural light can help improve your mood and give you a small energy boost. If you’re feeling up to it, bring a book, listen to music, or just take a moment to breathe deeply and enjoy your surroundings.
Staying entertained and mentally active during injury recovery takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. Whether it’s learning a new skill, picking up an old hobby, or starting a new project, keeping your mind engaged can make the recovery process feel much more fulfilling. If you’re going through something similar, I highly recommend exploring different injury-friendly activities —you might just discover a new passion along the way!
Share your favorite recovery-friendly activities in the comments!