i read about new news in brain injury treatment and the clinical trials being done. its interesting and applicable.

sciencetoy,

We did a lot of cooking in rehab, too. At first, it was difficult just cutting vegetables. I could eventually prepare a side dish, then finally the main course. I needed supervision with everything, too.

Now, I can cook from simpler recipes on my own, using timers as a reminder for safety. It was difficult to move from being able to host holidays and cook the majority of dishes to struggling with salads. But I have found the joy of cooking once again with persistence and work arounds. I still mess up the measurements of ingredients now and then, but no one seems to notice!!

It just gave me back a little of what I thought I had lost from my injury. I hope you will find this to be true for you as well. Take care, M-i-m

Hi Willgardner
 

Gardening...I do just a little bit every day. I listen to Reggae almost non stop. Puts me in a better frame of mind. I do not have TV so I don't miss it.
Try your hand at some craft? Mosaics can be very stress relieving. ginnie:grouphug:

For the first few months i listened to a lot of guided meditation. It seemed to be the only thing that would quiet the uncomfortable buzz/traffic jam in my brain. Darmaseed has an app and podcast if you can handle a little buddhist flavor.

I also alternated couches/beds just for a change of scenery :), and sat in my hammock with earplugs and an eye mask for many hours

Now I'm able to drive/be outside more and spend time sitting by a river just letting the white noise wash through me. Or peddle very slowly on my stationary bike. Both have done wonders for the depression, I'm lucky to be able to do them.

oh, and i listen to the same song quietly over & over when biking--adds motivation but isn't over stimulating.

also bought some kids water colors at the drug store and...i haven't done art since i was forced to in school, but find just painting several shades of blues/greens very soothing.