This is a very good list of do's and don't's.

This may have been implied but the music comment could be supplemented by "music that is common to you." This means your mind does not need to try to understand or anticipate what is coming. The familiarity allows the mind to relax and just "let the music flow through."

The egg shaped item to grip may be enhanced by it being very soft. I use a plush stuffed animal to hold lightly. It gives my hand a soothing sensation. Tactile comfort by using soft clothes can be helpful. No itchy tags or such helps the body to feel comfortable and cozy.

The anticipation anxiety/worry is definitely counter to recovery. It takes a lot of discipline to stop worry thoughts. Many put such high demands on themselves, especially moms, that this is almost carved into their minds.

The need to perform for others needs to be reconsidered in light of our limits. Another tough issue to resolve.

Good post.

Thanks.
Two more do and two more don'ts....these are two things that I've tried that don't have quite the impact as above but are still nice- tea with jasmine (DECAF!). Jasmine is supposed to have something in it that behaves like a gentle natural valium. I don't know about that, but it is nice. Also birdwatching- setting up a simple feeder you can fill without much trouble and which you can see from a comfortable spot. Birds can cheer you up and it's nice to take a moment and just watch them.

I've totally given up alcohol and caffeine until this is over. At first I could sort of handle small amounts but it occurred to me- my brain is trying to heal. Why make its job harder? This is especially hard when I'm with friends and someone wants to buy me a drink and I get coke (or a ginger ale if the nausea is acting up) instead of a beer and sometimes people even wonder if I'm pregnant. LOL And sometimes people do a "Starbucks run" and get something for me. I love Starbucks and I'm sorry not to drink it but I resist. Right now I think not having uppers or downers acting on my brain is important.

I would add a few.

Dos:

Activities that involve hands but not much work. E.g., playing an instrument or cleaning a surface.

Rest. Sleep has been regenerative for me. Take a rest when you need to.

Audiobooks. Listen to books to occupy time but not cause strain.

Meditation/relaxation. Seems like a good idea to me.

Exercise. When able, small amounts of exercise (increased gradually) can be very helpful.

Nutrition. Healthier food means a healthier brain.

Dont's:

Push yourself. If you feel sick, stop and rest. If you want your brain to heal, give it some time.

Be patient. This is almost impossible, but it will require doing as many dos as you can.

Freak out. Almost unavoidable, but try to remain calm.

great list! Thank you.

I found a slight difference in giving up caffeine and all those diet drinks! glutamate, aspartame (in almost all powders or liquids to put in drinks and splenda). Less chocolate, pop limited to pretty much gingerale and an occasional sparkling lemonade. Coke, rootbeer, dr. pepper, etc. Pretty much all of em' have caffeine and loads of sugar.

It's certainly worth a try! I haven't noticed a huge difference, however any little differences to not make it worse is great!

Very good thread - I have found most if not all of these things helpful too.

Getting out of the city and staying with my significant other in the suburbs has helped a lot: quieter environment, more green space, more wildlife, no stairs, more stable routine, daily support from my girlfriend (it's mutual!).

Also: I have been gradually building up both my physical ability (through incrementally longer walks and various chores) and mental ability (doing Rosetta Stone and other language exercises in my second language (proceeding step by step starting with level 1, even though I'm already quite fluent), doing crosswords and playing Scrabble, writing short posts to my favourite websites/blogs.

I'm talking about a painstaking progression over the course of many months, but these things have really helped with my recovery.