With over six million car accidents happening every day in the USA alone, it's hard to get through life without experiencing a fender bender. Even the slightest of accidents can be a jolt, and cause both financial and emotional stress.
No matter what the severity, if you've experienced a car accident, you need to prioritize your self-care. Here are five tips to help you feel better faster after a car accident.
Get the Legalities Dealt With ASAP
Car accidents come with an unfortunate side-effect: paperwork. Not only that, but this paperwork tends to be time-sensitive. The sooner you file the necessary paperwork and deal with the legalities, the sooner you can put this all behind you.
Be sure to file your insurance claim right away to get the ball rolling. Within a few hours after the accident, it's worth writing down all the details you remember. It's not uncommon to experience a form of protective amnesia that blocks the accident from your conscious mind afterward. By writing down all the details you remember right away, you won't have to stress yourself out trying to remember when asked later.
Finally, look into legal advice from a litigator that handles different types of car accident injuries. It may or may not be a service you need, but having the information readily available will streamline things later.
Visit Your Doctor
Another thing on the top of your priority list after experiencing an automobile accident is visiting your doctor. Even if you feel fine right away, you should still go to get checked out. Even minor accidents can cause whiplash, which may be a hindrance down the road. By visiting, you're also putting the accident on record.
You may find that you start to have emotional side effects weeks or even months after the accident. Don't hesitate to reach out to a professional if that's the case— nearly 40% of car accident survivors develop PTSD.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
The days and weeks after your accident can be stressful in a plethora of ways. Taking time to learn stress management techniques and coping skills will go a long way toward helping you feel better, both physically and emotionally.
Practice some deep breathing techniques to calm your mind and help you center yourself. Consider practicing mindfulness meditation or low-impact physical activities (such as walking outdoors) to help process your experience.
Listen to Your Body
Even moderate car accidents can have a lasting impact on your body. It may be weeks before you feel back to normal. This can be a frustrating side effect for those who use fitness as a form of stress management, as it can create limits and barriers that impact training.
Get in tune with your body, and don't let your ego push you beyond your limits. Now is the time to let your body rest and recover. While physical activity can be good for you, listen to your health care professional and be mindful of your injuries.
Eat Healthy and Hydrate
Give your body what it needs to heal. Now more than ever, eating healthy foods and hydrating is essential. The nutrients and energy derived from the food you eat will help you feel better physically and mentally. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein to aid in tissue repair.
Water is truly the elixir of life. Hydration is necessary for transporting nutrients and oxygen around the body. Drinking a minimum of eight glasses of water a day is one of the simplest things you can do to promote healing and overall wellness.
The most important thing to remember after a car accident is to give yourself time. Be patient with your progress and know that everyone gets through these experiences differently.
