Series Summary: How to Get Things Done after a Concussion

Today marks the end of my first blog series! I’ve been writing about to-do lists, organization, and task management strategies for the past two months. 

I set out to make a PCS-friendly blog which means simpler posts and less scrolling. I’m learning that’s much easier said than done. Today’s solution is a summary of my past eight posts. I hope these highlights are helpful for you!!

How to Get Things Done after a Concussion

Get organized 

• Write it down

  • Make a weekly to-do list. Then, use a calendar or planner to plot out your appointments and tasks each day. This is the #1 most effective strategy for cognitive symptoms after a concussion.

  • I also recommend making a brain dump to clear your mind and organize your tasks. 

• Prioritize

  • Identify your most important tasks or they may not get done. Concussion symptoms impact your tolerance and capacity for work so it’s helpful to focus on what’s most important.

  • Use organization strategies to help you choose and remember your priorities. 

Conserve your energy

• Use the Four Ps to manage your energy so you don’t crash and burn. 

  • Priming: Set yourself up to be focused and calm before you start to work

  • Planning: Plan to work on hard things when you have the most energy. Map out your day to make sure it’s reasonable. Make a plan A and a plan B depending on your symptoms that day.

  • Pacing: Monitor your symptoms. Don’t push yourself too far just to get a task done. Take mini breaks throughout the day even during good days. 

  • Pairing: Do similar tasks at the same time. For example, answer your emails in blocks of time instead of sporadically throughout the day. 

Manage stress

• Identify specific sources of stress throughout the day and then make a plan to manage them. Stress is a big problem after brain injury. Chronic stress is harmful for your recovery, and daily stress keeps you from working at your best.

• Decrease to-do list stress using the Four Ds. Ask yourself if you can Delete, Defer, Delegate, or Decrease tasks. 

• Decrease time-related stress using Time Pressure Management. Avoid multi-tasking and think/plan ahead so you don’t run out of time.

Get it done

• All of the above strategies help with two common complaints after brain injury: trouble starting tasks and staying on-task. 

• Make a plan and manage your energy/stress first. Then, read about strategies to get started and stay focused after a concussion.

Thanks for following along!! I would love to hear which strategy is the most helpful for you.

In September I’m starting a series on attention. Expect posts like how to stay focused despite distractions and how to get back to multi-tasking. I can’t wait!