Being stuck at home on workers compensation after an injury is easier for some than it is for others. If you're only working construction in order to pay the bills, and your real passion is daytime TV, then you're one of the lucky ones. For others, it's easy to go a little stir-crazy after the first week of reruns, game shows and soap operas.
It's easy to fill your time with various activities. You can play Xbox all day, you can watch your favorite movies, you can build a model ship or take up Sudoku. It's not so much a matter of finding something to do, it's a matter of finding something important to do.
For many of us, work isn't just a way to keep a roof over our heads, it's a way to contribute something to the world. We take pride in driving by an office building and saying "I installed the A/C ducts in there." Somehow, putting together a jigsaw puzzle just doesn't deliver the same sense of gratification.
So it's not just about filling your time up and keeping your hands busy; it's about finding a way to make a meaningful contribution, even while temporarily unable to ply your trade. Even if you stay busy, you can still feel low if, at the end of the day, you look at how you've been spending your time and think "Who cares?"
Finding a way to fill your time that is actually meaningful is more challenging than simply filling your time with whatever distractions you can find. A meaningful pastime is something that:
What makes a meaningful pastime
- Something that you're interested in.
- Something that makes a difference on some level, and...
- Something that is accessible.
Something that interests you means it has to be meaningful to you first and foremost. Meaningful in a broader sense could be helping a cause you believe in, or just taking some photographs and entering them in a local contest. If you work in trades such as woodworking, you might find ways to volunteer or stay connected to your craft; see Woodworkers and Cabinetmakers Insurance.
As for accessibility, if you broke your ankle at work, this is not the time to sign up for a long-distance walk. Choose activities that match your current mobility and recovery plan. Some meaningful activities may tie to specialized skills or industries; for information about niche or higher-risk work, see Caisson Insurance for Underwater Construction.
The frustrations we encounter when cooped up at home are not just about staying busy. If all we want is to stay busy, we can play solitaire for eight hours a day. It's about doing something that enriches your life and returns a feeling that you are contributing something to the world.
Easier said than done, certainly. But just because you're temporarily away from paid work doesn't mean you're out of options; adapt activities to your abilities, keep social connections, and focus on projects that give you a sense of purpose. If you're unsure which options fit your situation, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do volunteer work while on workers' compensation?
Often you can volunteer if the activity doesn't interfere with your recovery; confirm with your doctor or case manager before starting anything new.
How do I find meaningful activities I can do from home?
Look for projects that use your skills, support causes you care about, or can be adapted to your physical limits, such as remote volunteering or creative hobbies.
Will doing light work or volunteering affect my benefits?
It can, depending on how your activities relate to your injury and restrictions, so check with your claims representative before engaging in work-like tasks.
What should I do if I feel depressed while off work?
Reach out to friends, family, or a health professional, and consider meaningful routines or projects that provide structure and purpose.