On becoming friends with your brain: How I started my concussion recovery.
When working on topics for the Jedi email, TED is always one of those places I go to. I still recall the day and the person who introduced me to TED. It has such a diversity of topics and perspectives, it is full of inspiration and education, as well as ideas worth spreading. So when a thing happened to me, it was, of course, one of the places I went to understand and learn more.
In 2019 I suffered a concussion, those who have been reading along via the weekly newsletters (sign up here) will have seen how little by little, I shared more and more, not only about what happened, but how it affected me, the impact and the reflection and subsequent changes I put in place. The story of what happened to me will always be a work in progress. The short version is - I fell, hit my head and suffered a concussion. I was so scared - my mind, my thinking and my work are so important to me. One of the key themes that I share is what I put in place to support me being at my best.
Add to the mix my fascination with the neuroscience of behaviours and actions, the impact of attitudes on outcomes and the vital nature of emotional intelligence in leadership, and you have a perfect soup of interest when I was told I have a concussion.
So while recovering, and I needed to understand more, I devoured TED talks related to the brain. From understanding more about the brain in general (heh, I did Google brain cells), to the topic of concussion, to the science of tomorrow, to the things you can do today, there is, I believe, something for everyone.
Let's start with concussion
But this one on recovery was my favourite and touches on so much more
What I have learnt is that everyone who has a concussion has a different story, different symptoms and recovers differently. So my advice is, don't judge or presume. Ask and listen.
Your brain then!
I listened to this one while making soup and was very glad to be cooking at the time. Watch 'what is so special about the human brain' and you'll see why.
I like maps, so a map of the brain appealed.
Clues to understanding your brain
Looking inside your brain in real time
What I've heard is how amazing, fascinating and incredible our brains are. I was always respectful of my brain and have taken my recovery very seriously, I've gained new knowledge and insights that have taken that respect to a whole new level.
Some science on repairing the brain
So what can you do to help your brain
Improve the executive function
Brain changing effects of exercise (one of my favourite talks of my searching)
Get a good nights sleep
I've written about sleep in the past (more TED talk links on the topic of sleep) and know for me it's one of the most important things to do to keep me well and my best self. Nights I haven't slept well or as long as I need (optimal time for me is 7.5 hours) I make sure I put steps in place to recharge and rest during the day, and am more conscious and aware that I might not be at my best. So it's been a no-brainer (every pun intended) that I've needed more sleep and rest while I've recovered and have re-ignited the nap in my day.
