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Prefer to listen? Go to podcast episode 158: Bored at home after a concussion - 9 activities I filled my days with.
Brain rest after a concussion is crucial, but it can sometimes feel incredibly dull! At first, I felt so off and sick that boredom wasn’t even a thought. I was just surviving each day in bed.
However, after spending more time at home and starting to feel a bit better, I occasionally found myself bored. Read on to discover the 9 activities I engaged in to rest my brain during my recovery.
Table of contents
Bored with a Concussion
For so long, I missed out on so many fun activities. My life used to be busy; I had a vibrant social life, enjoyed my job, and never missed a party.
But after sustaining my concussion, I could no longer keep up. My brain needed rest after the injury.
I often stayed at home against my will. At times, boredom set in, and I had to come up with new activities that were enjoyable yet calming for my mind.
It felt essential to discover new pursuits that suited my changed reality, as I could no longer engage in the old ones.
Further reading: I was in slow motion and the world around me was in fast forward.
Your Brain Needs Rest After a Concussion
Initially, I resisted resting all the time and sometimes pushed myself to maintain a sense of normalcy. However, your brain really needs rest to recover.
Neglecting to give your brain the necessary downtime after a concussion can prolong your recovery.
I often found myself wondering how much faster I could have healed if I hadn’t pushed myself so hard when feeling bored. But rather than dwell on that, let’s focus on what can be helpful right now.
9 Activities I Filled My Days With to Give My Brain Rest After a Concussion
Puzzling: At first, I thought puzzles weren’t for me since my grandma always loved them. I associated them with older people. However, when boredom hit, a friend gifted me a puzzle. I decided to give it a try, and to my surprise, I loved it! Puzzling is calming; it allows you to focus entirely on the task, making it a delightful cognitive activity. If you’re unsure about starting, just give it a shot!
Listening to Podcasts/Audio Books: This was a lifesaver for me. Reading was too taxing on my eyes, but listening worked perfectly. The Storytel app opened a world of personal development books for me, covering topics like psychology and spirituality. During this time, I experienced significant personal growth while feeling productive and relaxed.
Writing: Before my concussion, I rarely wrote beyond work-related tasks. But once I began journaling about my thoughts and dreams, I fell in love with it. I incorporated writing into my morning routine, exploring my feelings and outlining daily health-supporting actions. It became a wonderful way to express my emotions and clear my mind.
Yoga/Meditation: This was new territory for me. I used to think yoga was solely for the spiritual crowd, but I quickly learned otherwise. It helped me feel calm and start my day positively. For meditations, I use the Insight Timer app, and I find yoga routines on YouTube.
Trying New Recipes: While this was somewhat challenging, I embraced the opportunity to keep my brain active. I started with simple recipes and gradually tackled more complex ones. Cooking was calming as it required my full attention, and it served as excellent cognitive exercise.
Making Vision Boards: A vision board is a collection of images representing your goals and dreams. Creating one helped me maintain a positive mindset. I searched for photos in magazines and online, printing them to visualize things like travel, my ideal home, and a healthy brain. Each morning, I reflected on my board, imagining already achieving those dreams, which fostered happiness.
Painting: My concussion sparked newfound creativity. Although I’m not a skilled painter, I enjoy the process of expression without worrying about the final result. Sometimes I start with no plan, allowing my emotions to guide my brushstrokes. It doesn’t have to be perfect; what matters is the enjoyment and relaxation it brings.
Gardening: This is such a grounding activity! Before my concussion, I had little interest in gardening or nature, but now I find joy in it. Gardening provides a restful break for your brain, helping you feel more connected to the natural world.
Going for a Walk: While this isn’t an at-home activity, it deserves mention. Sometimes, staring at the same four walls becomes overwhelming, and a short walk outside can provide a much-needed break. The fresh air and movement can boost your mood and enhance your day. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
It’s all about trying new things
Resting your brain after a concussion doesn’t have to be boring. With these activities, you can keep your mind engaged while allowing it to recover. Remember, when you don't rest your brain it takes longer to heal. finding new interests that suit your new self is a journey worth taking!
Good luck!
Ready to focus on healing instead of managing symptoms? These two researched strategies helped me the most:
In my free masterclass, which I’m hosting regularly, I’ll share the 2 researched methods that helped me the most in my recovery (and now also for thousands of others).
I love hosting this masterclass and engaging with all of you, but it takes a lot of effort to organize. That's why it's only available for a limited time. Make sure to sign up and join before it's too late!
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