[bh_pcs]

I know we all have it.

What are some of the ways that help you with this especially if you're back at work?

So far, I've done these things:

1. Take frequent, longer rest breaks;
2. Don't read anything too long (emails, posts, articles);
3. Stay on subject/be direct when in meetings to reduce cognitive load;
4. Listen to pleasant music (Tori Amos is my choice) while working to drown out noise;
5. Change your environment (removing noisy machinery like copiers and printers from your vicinity);
6. Do only one major thing a day or space them out over a few days;
7. Let your coworkers know what's going on so they can accommodate you.

[Mark in Idaho]

bh_pcs,

I suggest you try something different than <Listen to pleasant music (Tori Amos is my choice) while working to drown out noise;>

Try to reduce the sounds you hear. Playing music to drown out other sounds will be auditorily over-stimulating and pout a heavy work load on your brain.

Foam ear plugs AND head phone style sound reduction would be better.

Or some noise canceling head phones would be worthwhile.

My best to you.

[Klaus]

I'd agree with Mark on that one, I find that trying to do anything complex whilst listening to music at the same time knackers my head.

I'd add 'try not to concentrate too hard' - I find if something is causing me to have trouble concentrating and my brain is losing track of it, I naturally go into panic mode and concentrate harder, making my brain even tireder, adding stress to the mix and leading to a vicious circle of symptoms.

If you can instead just be cool with the fact that you are having trouble concentrating, or that you are being a bit overloaded with stimulation, and let it all wash over you, the brain seems to cope much better - surprisingly I find I tend to actually take in more with this attitude as well.

[bh_pcs]

I actually get more irritated listening to other people and noises (like the HVAC system on the roof, I'm on the top floor) hence my listening to Tori Amos.

Coupled with the fact that I know all the songs and my brain is attuned to relax when listening to her music.

I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but it works.

BTW, I reduce the volume so it doesn't make it overbearing. Wondering if anyone has similar experiences?

[bh_pcs]

Originally Posted by Klaus

I'd add 'try not to concentrate too hard' - I find if something is causing me to have trouble concentrating and my brain is losing track of it, I naturally go into panic mode and concentrate harder, making my brain even tireder, adding stress to the mix and leading to a vicious circle of symptoms.

If you can instead just be cool with the fact that you are having trouble concentrating, or that you are being a bit overloaded with stimulation, and let it all wash over you, the brain seems to cope much better - surprisingly I find I tend to actually take in more with this attitude as well.

Good points!!

I try not to tax my brain too much but sometimes it's unavoidable especially when you're doing meetings that require design and analysis. I find it a constant challenge to filter out the noise of the conversation and just pick out the salient points. Actually makes work more faster and no-nonsense.

[Eowyn]

I like the suggestions here. Thanks for sharing, everybody!

A couple other things I've been doing are trying to stay well hydrated and walking around briefly whenever I have the chance (also lets me take a quick break to rest my brain).

And I've made arrangements with co-workers for a quiet place I can go to lie down if I start to feel a headache coming on.

[Eowyn]

Oh, and just trying to "chill" more and let other people step up for stuff. I volunteer for fewer things and end up participating less in meetings. I just let others take the lead where I might have pre-concussion.

[bh_pcs]

Originally Posted by Eowyn

Oh, and just trying to "chill" more and let other people step up for stuff. I volunteer for fewer things and end up participating less in meetings. I just let others take the lead where I might have pre-concussion.

Yes, I try to do that more now. A little difficult considering my role, but when there's just too much discussion, I save my input for more crucial points. I'm hating the "noise" more and more.