Taking medical leave from your job can be both a relief and a stressful experience. While you need the time off to rest and recover, you might also be concerned about keeping your job, paying your bills, and managing your life.
During this time, your positivity might take a dip, but you can avoid this by prioritizing self-care. Here are a few effective strategies that will help you maintain a positive outlook and manage stress while you’re on medical leave.
Make sure you get adequate compensation
Money is likely going to be the largest source of stress while you recover on medical leave, and that’s why it’s crucial to pursue compensation if you were injured by another party. For instance, if you were injured at work, don’t hesitate to file a workers’ compensation claim. Just keep in mind that your settlement payment might not cover all your bills, and valid claims are denied all the time.
One way to protect yourself is to talk to a lawyer to discuss your case. A workers’ comp attorney will not only represent you while negotiating with an insurance company, but they’ll bring your case to court if it’s warranted.
Never let an injury go without taking some kind of action. You’ll heal much faster when you don’t have to stress about paying your bills.
Practice mindfulness meditation daily
Meditation might sound overrated, but it’s a tried-and-true method for maintaining relaxation and peace. You’ll need to keep your body in a calm state to facilitate the healing process. The more you feel stress, the more cortisol and adrenaline will be pumped through your body, and that will directly stifle healing.
The meditation practice you choose doesn’t necessarily matter, as long as it can put you in a state where you feel calm and centered. Some people prefer sitting in silence, while others enjoy guided meditations that stimulate visualization. It’s most helpful in the morning when you just wake up and before going to bed, since these are the times when negative thoughts are most likely to run wild.
Create a daily routine (and stick to it)
You’d be surprised at how much a daily routine can support your mental health. A routine serves as an anchor that allows you to run on autopilot as much as possible without having to think about the small details. With a routine in place, you’ll have more time and energy to do things you enjoy instead of worrying about what you forgot to do for the day.
Communicate with your boss
Medical leave can be scary, even when your boss is legally required to keep your position. The uncertainty of not knowing exactly when you’ll be ready to come back to work can induce anxiety. However, communication will go a long way in keeping your boss informed. You don’t need to tell them too many details or provide personal information they don’t need to know, but keep them in the loop about your recovery.
If you think you’ll need extra support or duty modifications when you return to work, tell your boss ahead of time so they can prepare. There are legal protections in place for workers who take leave under the FMLA, so don’t concern yourself with possibilities that stress you out.
Find a counselor who understands
Counseling isn’t just for people going through a major life crisis, like a divorce or the death of a child. It’s helpful under any stressful circumstances, including when you’ve been injured, are ill, or have gone through major surgery. Regardless of why you’re taking medical leave, a counselor can help you stay positive by reducing feelings of isolation and providing a compassionate ear.
If you don’t want to see a professional counselor, at least talk to friends and family about your situation. Emotional support is important, and sharing your experiences with people in your life can create stronger bonds and a sense of belonging.
If your job is stressful, start a new search
Taking medical leave is the perfect time to start looking for another job if your current work situation is toxic. Putting up with stress for a long period of time can contribute to far worse states of mind, like depression and even thoughts of suicide. Even just looking for a new job can relieve stress.
Rest, but keep life moving forward
While your recovery is a priority, medical leave offers an opportunity to focus on making important and necessary life changes. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you’ll come out the other side feeling positive and more resilient.