When you are undergoing physical therapy, you will attend sessions where you will perform physical therapy exercises. However, when you get home, you will also usually be given homework. This refers to movements that you should engage in when at home. However, if you're feeling tired, weak, and in pain, you might find it difficult to motivate yourself to do your homework. These tips can help you stay motivated to follow through. 

Don't Assume That It's Easy to Break Habits

Many patients, when they are in a therapy session, assume that they will simply perform their homework, but it is difficult to break out of a set of habits. If you're not used to being active, it can be difficult to get back in the habit of moving around. Another difficulty is that many who are recovering might feel like physical therapy is a chore. You will want to try to think positive thoughts and get excited about the things you'll be able to do after you recover. 

Look Inward

Motivation is personal to you. What motivates one person might not motivate another. For example, one patient might be motivated by a fear that they may not be able to do all the things they wanted to do in life if they don't recover. Other patients are motivated by rewards that they receive after a day of performing physical therapy. You'll need to think deeply about yourself and what motivates you.

Motivate Yourself Through a Goal

Find a goal that is compelling. For example, there might be a part of the world that you always wanted to visit, but you'll need to finish your physical therapy and get stronger before you are able to go on your trip. Then, whenever you don't feel like performing physical therapy, you can think of the goal you have set for yourself.

Understand Your Medical Diagnosis

Understand your diagnosis and the reasons why you must perform the physical therapy homework. Make sure that you understand how the treatment works so that you'll know why it's important. Visualize the changes that will occur in your body as a result of performing exercises.

Address Any Pain You Experience

If the pain you experience causes you to not feel motivated, speak with your physical therapist and your doctor. There might be something that can be done, such as a change in your pain medication. But once you feel motivated, you'll have an easier time recovering. You might also need to have changes made to your physical therapy sessions.