Everyone’s brain needs exercise to stay in tip top shape. As a person with a brain injury, it is especially important to keep the brain stimulated by exercising it in various ways. Just like the physical body, the brain needs exercise in order to perform at the highest level possible.
Physical exercise will also benefit the brain by relieving stress. As those of us who have suffered an acquired brain injury struggle with the everyday challenges associated with it, we can sure use an outlet or two for relieving stress.
I use a variety of stress relieving exercise tools. I have owned a treadmill ever since returning from the brain injury facility where I discovered it gave me a way to relax my brain by allowing me to daydream rather than concentrate on stressful situations. Later, we invested in a Bowflex which added a new dimension to our workouts. But, my favorite addition to our workout program is Wii Fit. I know if you watch any TV at all you are familiar with Nintendo Wii Fit. It’s one of the hottest things being sold this Christmas. We’ve had ours for several months now and I think it’s a great addition to our workouts. It’s actually so much fun you forget you're exercising.
Speaking of Christmas – along with the joy of the season comes some stress.
..........What gifts do I buy?
..........How much can I spend on each gift?
..........How will I pay for them?
..........What’s my timeline to get this all done?
..........Will I cook, if so, what?
..........When will I put up a tree and where will I purchase it?
The list goes on and one. And, speaking of lists, that is a perfect way to help with the stress factor. Exercise your brain by making a list of “things to do” and “how to accomplish them” along with a timeline for getting them done. As the list is checked off, the stress starts to melt away. My Mom has always used a checklist when preparing the Christmas Dinner for our large family get-together. Larry talks about her lists in our book, Brain Injury Survivor's Guide.
So, remember to always exercise the brain - especially during the holiday season and in other stressful situations. Then give your brain a break as you engage in some fun physical exercise too.
Physical exercise will also benefit the brain by relieving stress. As those of us who have suffered an acquired brain injury struggle with the everyday challenges associated with it, we can sure use an outlet or two for relieving stress.
I use a variety of stress relieving exercise tools. I have owned a treadmill ever since returning from the brain injury facility where I discovered it gave me a way to relax my brain by allowing me to daydream rather than concentrate on stressful situations. Later, we invested in a Bowflex which added a new dimension to our workouts. But, my favorite addition to our workout program is Wii Fit. I know if you watch any TV at all you are familiar with Nintendo Wii Fit. It’s one of the hottest things being sold this Christmas. We’ve had ours for several months now and I think it’s a great addition to our workouts. It’s actually so much fun you forget you're exercising.
Speaking of Christmas – along with the joy of the season comes some stress.
..........What gifts do I buy?
..........How much can I spend on each gift?
..........How will I pay for them?
..........What’s my timeline to get this all done?
..........Will I cook, if so, what?
..........When will I put up a tree and where will I purchase it?
The list goes on and one. And, speaking of lists, that is a perfect way to help with the stress factor. Exercise your brain by making a list of “things to do” and “how to accomplish them” along with a timeline for getting them done. As the list is checked off, the stress starts to melt away. My Mom has always used a checklist when preparing the Christmas Dinner for our large family get-together. Larry talks about her lists in our book, Brain Injury Survivor's Guide.
So, remember to always exercise the brain - especially during the holiday season and in other stressful situations. Then give your brain a break as you engage in some fun physical exercise too.
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