When a sudden blow or jolt occurs to your head in an accident, you could develop a brain injury. These injuries can result in a variety of physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms, and they are a common type of injury for many people every year.
According to brainline.org, approximately 2.8 million people sustain a brain injury in an accident every year in the U.S. If you sustained a brain injury in an accident, the following tips can help you during the rehabilitation process.
1. Practice your therapy exercises independently
As part of your recovery, you may visit a physical or occupational therapist once or twice a week. Take the time needed to practice your therapy exercises at home every day to enhance your progress as you recover from the accident.
2. Pace yourself
Moving past a brain injury and making progress will not happen overnight. Prioritize your daily tasks, take frequent breaks and avoid activities and situations that wear you out easily to prevent an accidental setback.
3. Learn to relax
Anxiety and stress can make your brain function less efficiently, so decreasing stress is critical as you heal from a brain injury. Find ways to make relaxation a meaningful, regular part of your day, whether this involves taking meditation breaks or incorporating a quick nap into your afternoon.
Recovering from a brain injury takes time, and at certain points, you may start to feel discouraged. Remember to celebrate even the small goals you achieve and try to remain positive as you continue to go through the rehabilitation process.
