Why Pushing Hard Isn’t the Fastest Way to Heal from a Concussion

I want to share a little story about something I struggled with to heal from a concussion— maybe you have too.

After my therapist gave me some exercises, I went all in. I pushed myself hard, giving 200%.

I thought if I just worked hard enough, I’d get better faster.

The Push to Heal from a Concussion Faster

When I was in the early stages of my concussion recovery, I thought the key to getting better was simple: push harder.

After my therapist gave me some exercises, I went all in — 200%. I believed that if I just worked hard enough, I’d speed up my healing process. I was determined to overcome post-concussion syndrome (PCS) as fast as possible.

When Pushing Leads to Setbacks and Frustration

But instead of improving faster, I ended up feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and deeply frustrated. My symptoms — like brain fog, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue — flared up worse than before.

It felt like I had taken a step backward and was right back at square one.

This cycle of pushing too hard and then crashing is common for many people dealing with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or PCS. It’s known as “boom and bust” — when you try to do too much on a good day, only to pay for it later with worsened symptoms.

The Real Lesson: Recovery Is About Pacing

Here’s the truth I wish someone had told me from the start:

Recovery from concussion isn’t about pushing yourself to the limit. It’s about pacing — managing your physical, cognitive, and emotional energy in a way that prevents symptom flare-ups and supports steady progress.

Pacing means breaking your day into manageable chunks, alternating activity with rest, and gradually increasing what you do as your brain and body allow. This approach helps prevent post-concussion fatigue and supports your nervous system as it heals.

How to Start Pacing Your Recovery

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a cycle of setbacks, here’s a simple way to start pacing:

• Begin with just 5 minutes of gentle physical movement — stretching, slow walking, or light yoga.

• Add 5 minutes of light cognitive exercises — these might include simple puzzles, memory games, or mindfulness exercises that don’t overwhelm your brain.

• Aim to do this every day or most days, keeping track of how you feel afterwards.

By consistently taking small, manageable steps, you’ll build a foundation for long-term healing without risking symptom flare-ups or burnout.

Why Pacing Works: Supporting Brain Healing

After a concussion, your brain needs time and the right environment to recover. Pacing respects your brain’s limits and gives it a chance to repair itself. Over time, as you build endurance, you can gently increase activity levels.

Pacing also helps manage sensory overload and emotional stress, two common challenges in concussion recovery. By avoiding pushing too hard, you reduce the risk of triggering anxiety, headaches, or dizziness.

Remember: Recovery Isn’t Linear — Be Kind to Yourself

Healing from a concussion can be unpredictable. Some days will feel better than others. That’s okay. Progress isn’t always a straight line.

What matters is consistent, mindful effort and patience.

If you’re struggling, try to be gentle with yourself. Celebrate the small wins — even a few minutes of gentle movement or focused mental activity is a step forward.

Need Support With Your Recovery Journey?

If you want practical tips, community support, or guidance on pacing and managing post-concussion symptoms, you’re not alone. Follow me on Instagram where I share more about it.

7 things that have helped me the most in concussion recovery

What helped you the most?" I received this question daily in my inbox. That's why I created a free eBook so you can clearly see what truly aided my recovery.

These things helped me to:

✔️ reduce fatigue & brain fog

✔️ have more energy ✔️ improve my sleep ✔️ feel less stressed

✔️ exercise again (finally!) ✔️ have a better mood

Download it for free: