Had a Concussion? 11 Tips to Get You Through the Holidays
Have you had a concussion? Here are 11 ways to help you cope with the holidays!
by Diane Roberts Stoler, Ed.D. in The Resilient Brain
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Diane Roberts Stoler, Ed.D., is a Neuropsychologist, Board Certified Health Psychologist, Board Certified Sports Psychologist, and Trauma Therapist
with over 35 years experience.
My motto is: There is a Way! ®
11 Helpful Tips to Cope this Holiday Season
1) Plan:
Lists can be extremely helpful when holiday shopping.
2) Organise and allow others to help:
If you do choose to reach out for help,
3) Hypersensitivity:
If lights, sounds, and crowds bother you, do NOT go shopping in stores.
4) Pace Yourself:
First of all, figure out what time of day you function best. It could be in the morning, afternoon, or perhaps night
5) Holiday Treats:
During the holidays, there are so many delicious, sugary foods. It would be best to stay away from sugar altogether, especially if you have had a concussion, but I realise that this is unrealistic.
6) Say No to Alcohol:
Your brain has been injured, and any alcohol, beer, or wine will only heighten your symptoms and can even worsen your injury.
7) Say Yes to Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
With a concussion, your brain is inflamed.
8) Take Time Out:
At holiday events, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you are suffering from PCS. Give yourself permission to sit in a quiet area if you need to.
9) What to Wear:
Being internally cold is another symptom of a concussion. This is due to the dysregulation of your body’s ability to control its temperature.
10) Grieving:
During this period of the year, it is important not to be alone, especially because the symptoms from your concussion may cause you to feel quite alone because you may feel that they are taking control of your life.
11) Choice of Company:
Of course, since it is the holiday season, you may feel obligated to spend lots of time with family. However, if you have relatives or others who clearly do not understand and only add chaos and emotional strife, then consider spending the holidays without these individuals. If you need to, seek out your local brain injury support group, where you can find comfort in being with people who are dealing with the same symptoms while also wanting to share the spirit of the holidays together.
