Set some guidelines that allow you some interaction but not too much.

If you are going to talk with friends, make it just one friend. Try to stay focused on looking at the person you are talking with. The brain likes to combine the vision of the lips moving with the ears hearing the words.

Discuss with that friend some of the limitations of PCS. I can't talk with someone who uses overly complex sentences. They overwhelm my brain with too many balls in the air at once. I have to stop people and break down their sentences to simpler phrases, etc.

I can talk ten times better that I can process incoming information. I need to explain this to others. They think my speaking ability means I can follow/listen to a conversation.

Let them know about your need for slow changes of stimulation. No quick scanning of a store shelf. No quick conversation. No driving through congested traffic with talking and the radio at the same time.

Try talking with your friends on the phone laying down in a dark room or with your eyes closed. It will free up more sensory processing ability.

Have you tried any manual crafts or manipulative projects? Hand sewing, knitting, cross stitch, crochet, painting, etc. Anything that takes slow repetitive tasks with your hands slows the flow of information to and from your brain. The slow tempo can do wonders for your brains attempt at getting stronger.

My TBI friend still does leather craft projects as therapy. The kind where you sew the leather pieces together with a vinyl strand.

My OT had me try my hand at assembling wooden model-puzzles.

I used to spend hours sorting out a huge bin of miscellaneous screws, nuts and bolts. I found it was very good therapy for my mind. It could occupy a lot of time with a productive result.

If you try to read, be disciplined to stay away from reading that causes overload. be ready to stop and try something else at the first sign of visual or mental struggle.

Is it warm enough to work in the yard, preparing a garden or pruning back plants or pulling weeds?

Think small and simple. Lots of little short tasks will fill a day. Make lists of things to do and do the ones that feel right. No need to be perfect or even complete the task. Just try.

Do you have access to a preschool or kindergarten where you can volunteer to sit with a single child (in a quiet location) and read to/with them? The shyest in the class need this time and will be eager for some quiet time with an adult.

Lots of ideas for you to consider. Find on that works for you and have some good quiet time with others or a paint brush or needle.

The personal growth that comes from learning to slow down and work with less pressure is amazing.

My best to you.