Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

There are varying levels of thought about challenging the brain like Dale Earnhardt mentioned. Most specialists suggest a slow return to these challenges. A few push for stronger challenges. A consensus is to not nap during recovery. Breaks from stimulation with mild activity to keep the brain engaged to stimulate continued blood flow is the latest protocol. Sleep should be at night.

One way to challenge the brain is to try short periods of increased stimulation/challenge then take a break or change activities. You push the brain to find a threshold then back off for a break then push again. Pushing to a fatigue level that lasts into the next day is not helpful for most.

There are two objectives. We need to get back to life but often have anxiety about over-stimulation that these small pushes can help us overcome. Anxiety can be a memorized negative response. A small trigger can cause an anxious bigger response. We need to use these small pushes to develop into a new pattern of response. " Wow, I was able to go to the mall and stay there for 15 minutes. I'll try 30 minutes next time" Second, the brain needs to be challenged so it can relearn the functions that allow the greater stimulation levels.

We all need to find our own specific levels/rate of return to normal.

My best to you as you take on this effort.