Learning to Prioritize
It’s been a little while since I wrote a blog because I had to prioritize some other things in my life. This past month, I made a conscious decision to focus on finishing my book proposal. Working with an editor was a new experience for me and some elements of the proposal (like marketing and promotion) really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was really hard work but I met my goal, submitted it on time, and learned a lot in the process. Now I’m getting back to the business of writing this blog, getting a newsletter ready, and writing the rest of the book!
One of the things I learned from being ill with autoimmune encephalitis is that it’s really important to prioritize my health. On a day to day basis, I have to really monitor my energy so that I avoid brain fatigue and the reappearance of any neurological symptoms. Sometimes, I simply don’t have enough energy to get everything done that I’d like, and I know this isn’t just a problem for survivors of brain injury!
Listen to Your Body
Listening to cues from our bodies and acting appropriately before our brains start to struggle and symptoms start to develop is a key to success. The little things really matter and paying attention to those little things is what often gets us through.
So this morning when I woke up with a mild headache and some brain fog, instead of pushing myself to sit at the computer and write this blog, I made the decision to go for a walk and see if that would clear my head. I took time to sit in the park by the lake and with a light breeze blowing, the wind rustling the leaves in the trees, and the sun on my back, I started dictating this blog into my phone (saving myself from too much time at the computer later).
Like many brain injury survivors, I’ve implemented some strategies throughout my recovery journey to help cope with brain fatigue and pace myself throughout each day. Taking a walk this morning and mindfully noticing my surroundings was like a balm to my foggy brain. A little exercise always helps, and the effect of getting out in nature is so good for our brains.
Do Your Best and Be Kind to Yourself
Each morning I make time for 20-30 minutes of meditation. I make time every day to sit and eat my meals. I make time to take a short, brain recharging nap when I need one. I make time for brain breaks, where I get up and move around, changing the focus of my brain for a few minutes to reset. On days when I’m especially tired, I try to be kind to myself for being a bit slower, because I know from experience that with kindness to my body and brain, I will feel better tomorrow. I’ve also learned the importance of saying no to added tasks that might add stress or more brain fatigue.
It’s not always easy to prioritize myself, as I’m sure most mom’s especially can relate, and on those days, going to bed just a little earlier and staying hydrated can also help. Instead of trying to carry endless to-do lists in my head, I’ll write lists to “park” things until I can tackle them later, one by one. Sometimes I even write things on my list that I know I can achieve easily just so I can cross them off and feel a sense of accomplishment!
Looking back over the past month, I’m proud of what I have achieved. Even the small stuff. Like Anne Lamott describes in her book on writing, “Bird by Bird”, and Ted Lasso popularized with his use of the term, recovery from brain injury, like writing a book, is best tackled bird by bird, or one step at a time.
