Other Tips for a Concussion at Home
Do cardio for about 30 minutes a day or as tolerated.
Don’t perform any exercises that would cause jostling your head. For instance, you shouldn’t go for a run as your cardio workout. If you have access to a stationary bike or an elliptical machine, they are the best way to get your blood pumping.
If you don’t have access to exercise equipment, ensure you get your heart rate up with calisthenic exercises. If you experience any dizziness or difficulty balancing, switch to something that doesn’t worsen your symptoms. You can read more about how to exercise after a concussion here.
Immediately after exercising, perform cognitively demanding activities such as reading.
Now that you’ve gotten your blood pumping, utilize that extra oxygen to reinforce healthy pathways. Try reading a book or having an intellectually demanding conversation with someone. If that’s not an option, solve a puzzle like Sudoku. Do that for over thirty minutes or as tolerated.
Calm your autonomic nervous system.
Your autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates the processes in your body that you don’t think about, can be affected by a concussion. Damage to that region can lead to heartbeat irregularities to skyrocketing stress.
Rest from screens and try to do some normal activities if you can.
This part of traditional concussion advice is vital. If you can, give the electronics a break. This doesn’t mean you can’t have any time in front of screens, but you shouldn’t spend the whole day playing video games.
Exposure to normal non-screen activities will help your brain recuperate. Doing chores, chatting with friends, and even light work could be helpful.
Return to work or school gradually.
If possible, gradually increase your return to everyday obligations. Be it work or school, try to begin at 10 hours your first week back, then try 20 hours the following week. By gradually working your way up to full-time attendance, you’re giving your brain the time it requires to finish healing.
If you’re looking for something else to help your brain heal, consider an anti-inflammatory diet. If that’s too much, decrease your consumption of processed foods and refined sugar. Above all, make sure you eat regularly: six small meals per day or three normal-sized meals.