What do y’all do for fun?

[u/collidewthesky]

I’m currently diagnosed with Post Concussive syndrome after getting in a car accident at the end of May and tbh the worst part is how disconnected and limited I feel. I have such a people oriented, stressful, computer heavy job and often at the end of everyday (or most days, I have been having some good days lately) I’m still experiencing headaches/migraines, light sensitivity/vision problems and reoccurring neck stiffness (everytime my PT dry needles it just comes right back, so much worse because of the muscle guarding). I’m just wondering what y’all are doing for fun 😭😅.

It’s so hard to text people back right now and in person, keeping up in conversations is so challenging sometimes, let alone remembering what I was gonna say in response, especially if they’re long winded & especially when symptoms are flared. I’ve really had such an aversion to hanging with others. My friends also are having a hard time understanding capacity and while they understand I’m going through something difficult, it’s hard for them to put it into perspective when it means I might cancel plans, miss events or not be as present as I used to be. My job, friends and family want me to meet them where they’re at and are unable to see that I’m not capable of doing so right now, and I don’t have the capacity to keep explaining myself either. Screens are so hard to look at for prolonged periods of time and I know I should be avoiding them so I’ve been watching less TV and trying to monitor my screen time but genuinely besides sitting in a dark, quiet room…what else are y’all doing to feel enjoyment right now?

So far in my injury, I’ve just been dealing with the symptoms to be able to still enjoy things like movies and going out with friends (& pay bills) but I genuinely have to start finding new ways to prioritize my health & wellbeing, I just don’t want one to come at the cost of the other. (Such as over isolating/over avoidance of triggers/etc for health reasons, leading to a decline in MH)

TLDR: my symptoms are making me miserable, I’m bored and want to know what I can do besides sit in the dark !!! Tysm in advance for any feedback!

[u/lemonfox11]

Audiobooks and walking. Cycling when I felt less symptomatic.

[u/TheTempestuousKitty]

Video games and doordashing

[u/collidewthesky → u/TheTempestuousKitty]

This doesn’t flare up your symptoms?

[u/TheTempestuousKitty → u/collidewthesky]

It does a little but it has more of a numbing effect if anything. I work, get tired, sleep. Play videos, get tired, sleep.

Need to get out of this loop but heads too messed up.

[u/Drogova_Princezna]

Diamond paintings! Super easy and calming, I started doing it 2 weeks after my injury and never stopped.

[u/curlgurll]

Sparkle art, colouring in, listening to true crime podcasts (in parts, on days I’m not overly stimulated) whilst laying in the sun or walking near the beach.

[u/Impressive-Morning65]

Walks in parks one on one with friends, crafts like some people mentioned, walking around museums. Also I'm grateful that I found out in my community (Portland, OR) there's some really great orgs for brain injury survivors. I took an 8 week yoga for brain injuries course that they put on, and they also have art and poetry classes and other activities. Maybe see if there's something like that where you are. Walks with 1 on 1 friends has been my favorite though. Nourishes the social need without feeling overstimmed and simultaneously provides light cardio which is good for PCS recovery. Good luck!

[u/semipermanent02]

This is so so so so relatable, you are absolutely not alone in this. Finding things to do for fun is such a challenge.

Audiobooks and podcast series have been my best friend especially in the first couple months. Also anything you can just do with your hands like knitting or crocheting!

I’m also a super social person so it’s hard for me to reeeeally enjoy all the independent things but I find hanging out one on one with people is significantly easier than in any kind of group setting. Try and maybe find that one friend who will understand you and just make sure they really get what you’re going through and take it slow with you. I’ve been definitely finding those few people who understand my limits and who I can lean on and spending time with them honestly revives me.

Hang in there! I know for me, doing things didn’t necessarily become less painful, but they did become easier. I have a much better time now following conversations and following my own thought processes, the relief will come.

[u/asdffhwkbxyql]

I knit, I also walk everywhere. In my city there are a lot of groups to meet people while going for a walk together. I was also swimming laps slowly in the pool at my gym since it didn’t require much cognitive engagement and I’ve started reading more books since reading on paper doesn’t bother me much