HealthInfo Piki Te Ora Southern
Getting back into community-based activities
Whakahokia ki ngā mahi hapori
Getting back into meaningful activities after an illness, injury or surgery can sometimes be difficult. Yet it's important that you do so. This can even help your recovery.
Taking part in meaningful activity is good for you. If you aren't sure what activities you can take part in, talk to your general practice team or occupational therapist.
There are many ways to get back into community activities.
Avoiding isolation
Satisfying and interesting activities can improve your health. The activities could be work, volunteering, sport, keeping active or creative hobbies. They could also be time with children, holidays or outings.
Spending time doing interesting activities with other people has many positive benefits. It can create a network of caring friends and improve your confidence. It can also stimulate your mind, give you more energy and provide some structure to your week.
Give yourself time for the things that give you pleasure and make you feel healthier. Talk to family and friends about changes you would like to make to your life.
Getting involved with community groups
There are many activities available in the community. You may have interests that you would like to develop or explore. These may be things you've done before or new things you would like to try. Think about:
- which activities excite you the most
- whether they fit with your health and lifestyle needs
- if you have the energy and the physical ability to enjoy doing the activities
- if they fit in with your daily routines such as taking medications, and needing to rest
- the cost of the activities and transport to and from them.
Find out about groups from:
- your local newspaper
- Age Concern's social outings
- the Citizen's Advice Bureau in your area, phone 0800‑367‑222
- friends and family
- your local supermarket or mall notice boards
- Active Southland
- Sport Otago.
Strategies for joining new groups
It's common to feel nervous about trying something different. If you feel anxious about joining a new group, there are several strategies you can follow.
- Phone first. Find out where and when to meet and ask that someone meets you at the door.
- Get ready in plenty of time and know how to get there.
- Practise some relaxation techniques.
- Go with a friend.
- Think about the positive benefits of joining this group.
- Remember that other group members were new when they started.
Getting to activities
There are also several options for getting to activities.
- If you can, walk, ride a bike or use the bus.
- Call the organiser of the group and ask if there might be someone who can give you a ride.
- The Total Mobility discounted taxi fare scheme provides a discount of usually 50% off the normal fare of approved taxi companies.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2022.
Sources
Review key: HICBA-246893
