Post by deanertheweiner on Sept 24, 2013 12:34:10 GMT -8
I have an ABI and SCI so my central nervous system really took a beating from my car accident! My ABI affects my speech, concentration, emotion control, cognition (thinking), memory and much much more. While living my life post-accident, I've come up with strategies and activities to help with the problems my ABI causes me.
For my speech I find singing really helps strengthen my vocal cords and breath support. If the radio is on I'll sing along, if I'm alone I sing either the Canadian anthem or I'm sexy and I know it by LMFAO (my theme song ). DJ really noticed a difference in my talking the last time I chilled with him and I think it's due to all of the singing I did since the last time we hung out. I also speak to big groups of students in high schools. I find drinking water right before I go on stage makes my speech louder and clearer.
For my concentration and cognition doing brain games like sudoku, crossword puzzles, or word searches helps me to stay sharp and focused for when I do various everyday things. My therapists also tell me reading is very good for the brain too. I read novels and the newspaper just to keep them happy. Taking courses in school really helps too. I took a night course at a local college in my area because my therapist was nagging me to. I ended up taking financial planning. At first I found it very difficult to keep up with the lecture, it was like the teacher was speaking a different language. As I continued the course my attention and concentration really improved. I ended up finishing the course with an 83% average! Considering I had the brain capacity of a 2-year-old at one point in my recovery, it's a miracle I can even read.
For the emotion control I typically laugh uncontrollably when I'm nervous or find something very funny. I find saying to myself with my inner monologue "it's not that funny" helps me control it and stop when I feel it's my ABI taking over the laugh. Obviously if I'm watching a funny movie or a stand up comedian I'll let myself laugh harder and longer. I also cry easily now. I find tapping my feet or opening and closing my hand distracts me from crying so that I can do it at a more appropriate time and place. I don't like crying in public because I'm a man obviously, it makes feel inferior and I don't like causing a scene.
For memory I've made a gmail account and use the google calendar to schedule my weekly appointments. I also have have an iPad. I use the reminder app to remind me of things I have to do on a daily basis so I don't forget. I use the notes app to journal how my day went because I have trouble remembering things that that happened to me during the week unless it was out of the normal routine.
Remember every ABI is different like how every SCI is different. Some of my strategies may not work for others with a brain injury. I'm just sharing things that help me out because it might help you or someone you know.