My Simple Strategies

Love Love Brain: TBI Brain-Health Basics

A gentle summary of tools that really help. Save this page. Come back anytime.

Know your early warning signs

Headache
Neck or back pain
Feeling scared or overwhelmed
Feeling “weird” or disconnected
Too many tasks at once

Don’t wait until you’re exhausted. Act at the first warning sign.

The Spoon Theory for TBI

When you start feeling better, it’s tempting to do more. Then symptoms flare and frustration follows. Feeling better = go slower, not faster.

Grounding techniques that work

Orient to the room: look around slowly, name objects, say “I am here in this room right now.”
Feet on the floor: press down, wiggle your toes, notice the sensations.
Connect with your pet: animals often sense distress before we do.

Daily brain-health habits

Morning: deep breathing, prayer or meditation, water, time with your pet.
During the day: stop when a headache starts, protect your spoons, schedule less than you think you can handle.
Evening: calming content, less stimulation, box breathing, a gentle sleep routine.

When you feel a warning sign, respond right away: feet on the floor, breathe, orient to the room, connect with your pet, reduce demands. The earlier you interrupt the cycle, the easier it is to return to calm.