Healing from a concussion takes time and patience. One of the most common complaints that we see with patients however is frustration.
What should be simple things like using a phone or computer, reading, walking, or even holding a conversation, can often be very difficult. Unfortunately, healing takes time, and the body needs rest, which often leads to frustration and boredom.
To help you out, here are three fun and simple activities that anybody suffering from a concussion can do to help with the healing process.
1. Coloring.
Yup... coloring! Studies have shown that coloring can help reduce anxiety and depression and can also reduce stress. It can even help with the healing process as concussions often lead to difficulty with decision making. Coloring allows your brain to practice that skill without being overloaded. So go ahead and buy a new coloring book, a fresh box of crayons or colored pencils, and color your boredom away.
2. Brain Games.
Remember, "Where's Waldo"? The holidays always seem to bring out more "find what's missing in the picture" books. Go for it! Find simple word searches (especially if early in the healing process) and work that brain! These activities are fun, help to pass the time, and can also help you heal through improving memory and concentration skills. Start out with simple games and puzzles, and gradually work your way up to more difficult challenges. This will not only help to keep you engaged, but also will allow you to more easily track your progress in healing.
3. Relax, Imagine, and Listen.
In a busy world, it can be extremely hard to relax. But, if there were ever a time to deliberately carve out time to relax, rest, and unwind, this would be it. Extra sleep and true mind relaxation is strongly encouraged. This would also be an opportune moment to try your hand at meditation. There are several downloadable apps available that will guide you through different meditation styles.
Imagination is also a great healing and relaxing activity. Create a visual of something fun and pleasant such as next year's vacation or a favorite summer activity. Listen to soft, quiet music can also be helpful. Try classical, mood, or instrumental music (start with music without words and gradually progress to music with lyrics).
These are just a few suggestions, but you can get as creative as you want! Work with putty or clay, cross-stitch, knit, or even tend to bonsai plants. The idea is to find things you can do instead of focusing on what you can't. In doing so, you will take the focus off the frustration and allow yourself to work through the healing process.
To get a more personalized list of activities to facilitate the healing of your concussion, make an appointment with us. Our therapists at Atlas Therapy will offer a comprehensive treatment plan, and provide you with a list of activities that are personalized to you, to aid in healing.
For further reading, be sure to check out our concussions page, or visit our blog to read about other interesting topics!
Sources:
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When Did Coloring Books Become Mindful? Exploring the Effectiveness of a Novel Method of Mindfulness-Guided Instructions for Coloring Books to Increase Mindfulness and Decrease Anxiety.
Michail Mantzios and Kyriaki Giannou. Front Psychol. 2018; 9: 56. Published online 2018 Jan 30. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00056
