Hi everyone,

I'm wondering specifically about reading books and PCS.

I'm trying to rest and recover over the next month by limiting screen time (laptop, smartphone, etc.) and am finding myself quite bored.
Reading seems like a good solution here. Is it acceptable to read throughout the day to pass the time and entertain myself?

On a related note, what about audiobooks?

All the best,
clandestine

I was told by my OT that I had to think of things like reading and other intellectual activities as the same degree of activity as excercising - it all required effort by my healing brain.

I did not have a chance to test this theory as I had alot of vision issues. But if it is not giving you headache and fatigue I think reading in short intervals would be OK. I listened to a ton of audiobooks and still do today, if you get a good narrator it gives a whole new dimension to the story.

Thank you for the reply, I appreciate the insight.

The problem is I'm 4 months into my recovery and still suffering from daily headaches.
Wouldn't audiobooks in the same regard then require effort on a healing brain?

I'm rather bored, and not sure what to do with my time.
No screens, reading, but complete bed rest should be avoided as well. I'm trying to figure out what the best approach is here and what to do with my days.

The brain effort to listen to audiobooks is much less that the brain effort to read. The simple act of visions requires brain power to 'stitch' the two images together. Listening to audiobooks with eyes closed will give the brain more rest. Manual tasks/activities are good as the hands can not work faster that a recovering brain can tolerate. Learning to knit (two needles) or crochet (one needle) can be good. NFL football players uses knitting and crocheting to help relax the brain after a game.

Mark,

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Your post helped me better understand some activities I can do which aren't a hinderance to healing. Estreetfan, you as well.

I've downloaded an audiobook, it helps pass the time. I've also taken up knitting and improving me cooking. I'm using screens less and less now. I plan to take up drawing as well.

Here is day 2 knitting progress.

I am a knitter too. Was before the accident and am now even more. Post up your progress.

There are great tutorials for knitting on youtube. But, yes, limit the screens and keep on doing good things with your hands

poetrymom

Welcome to NT!

I would take your boredom as a good sign. Many of us are so out of it, at the beginning, that we don't even notice the passage of time.

Your desire to read (although you are, wisely, putting that on hold) also augers well for your recovery. If you can follow, and retain plot, you're doing amazingly well.

It was years before I could handle a book and I still have to stay with simple things. I also keep a companion memory journal, where I summarize that session's plot and characters. Otherwise, I forget all that and have to start over each time I come to the book.

Of course, a week after I read a book, I've forgotten pretty much everything about it. It's sort of sad because I used to be a professional writer.

On the plus side, I'm saving a ton of money on novels because I can read the same ones over and over - and they're always fresh.

Speaking of economizing, you've probably discovered that libraries offer books on tape.

Good job on the knitting, too.

Hi there and welcome to NT. I cannot read books either so I started listening to audiobooks on LOW volume in a dark room. This comforted me as I was spending a lot of time alone in the "dark room" for months and it took my mind off the pain for a while. I found non-fiction was tolerable for me.

Headaches were brutal for me and migraines were relentless for 8 months. I finally tried Botox and it was a game changer for me. Actually I just had my third treatment today. I am a year and a half into my journey but I wish you well in trying audiobooks.

One other thing I will mention is that my eyes were affected by the mTBI. A neuro-optometrist prescribed stronger distance prescription and I now have readers for the first time ever. I now wear glasses all the time and am going to be starting eye therapy (yes, eye therapy) in a few weeks. Right now I am wearing bifocals full time. Yay.

I don't mean to throw a lot of information at you but I thought I would share some things I wish I had know earlier on in my recovery.

I had to giggle at this because I can totally relate - I don't even think I got that far! I wanted to learn to knit so I had some baby hats knitted to donate to the hospital. I'm still trying...