March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!

When my children were little daycare would tell them to “kiss your brain” when they got the answer right or learned something new. They would kiss their hand and then gently place it on their foreheads. A small little brain kiss…adorable…but also makes us think of how important our brains are and what they do for us everyday!

Your brain is your life! Without your brain you wouldn’t exist, have a personality, be able to move, or be able to speak. Most people have seen or know someone who has had a stroke. Maybe their arm doesn’t work like it used to or they have a hard time with speech or finding their words! A stroke is a severe injury to the brain that a lot of times has outward symptoms. In this blog, I want to address another traumatic brain injury….Concussions!

According to the CDC a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce or twist inside the skull, creating chemical changes and damaging brain cells.

Concussions: What You Can Do to Help Your Brain Heal

A concussion may be considered a “mild” traumatic brain injury, but anyone who has had one knows there’s nothing mild about how it feels. Your brain is working overtime to rebalance and repair itself, which is why even simple tasks—lights, screens, conversations, planning, and making decisions—may suddenly feel draining or overwhelming.

The good news? With the right strategies, most people recover well. Here are helpful, research-backed tips to support brain healing:

1. Embrace “Relative Rest” in the First 24–72 Hours

The newest concussion guidance emphasizes relative rest, not total isolation. That means:

· Light activities as tolerated

· Stop immediately if symptoms worsen

· Avoid pushing through headaches, dizziness, or fogginess

The CDC emphasizes making short-term daily activity adjustments to help the brain return to normal function more quickly. Cleveland Clinic specialists also recommend paying attention to symptom levels and resting when discomfort reaches a 3 out of 10 or higher. [cdc.gov] [health.cle...clinic.org]

On average, we make 35,000 decisions a day! From what to wear, what to eat, how to get to work, the temperature we choose in the car, what to watch on tv, etc. The list goes on and on. When you have a concussion those simple tasks and decisions can be overwhelming and cause your brain to fatigue.

2. Avoid “Cognitive Overload”

Your brain is working hard behind the scenes. To keep from overwhelming it:

· Reduce screen time

· Limit multitasking

· Avoid loud, busy environments

· Take breaks after mental tasks

3. Gradually Return to Activity (Step-by-Step)

Concussion recovery is not all or nothing. A gradual, stepwise return to activity—physical and cognitive—is the safest approach.

· Start with light walking

· Slowly increase movement

· Add mild aerobic activity

· Avoid running, jumping, or heavy exertion early on

4. Protect Your Sleep, Hydration & Nutrition

Basic wellness is powerful brain medicine:

· Stick to a regular sleep schedule

· Avoid oversleeping during the day

· Stay hydrated

· Eat consistent, balanced meals

Light activity, good hydration, and steady routines support the chemical rebalancing happening inside the brain during recovery, according to Cleveland Clinic’s concussion recovery recommendations. [health.cle...clinic.org]

5. Support Children With School Adjustments

Kids and teens often need temporary changes at school:

· Reduced workload

· Extra breaks

· Shortened days

· Modified screen exposure

· Quiet spaces for recovery

The CDC notes that returning to school with adjustments can actually shorten recovery time and lower the risk of mental health symptoms in children with concussions. AAP resources also highlight the importance of return-to-learn plans for pediatric recovery. [cdc.gov] [aap.org]

6. Know When to Seek Professional Support

Red flags requiring immediate evaluation include:

· Worsening headache

· Slurred speech

· Vomiting

· Increasing confusion

· Weakness or numbness

· Significant behavioral changes

The Concussion Guidebook notes that persistent symptoms (lasting beyond the typical two weeks) may indicate Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS) and deserve specialist care. [concussionandcte.org]

7. Monitor Emotional & Mental Health

Concussions don’t just affect the body—they affect mood, memory, and stress tolerance.

· Irritability, anxiety, sadness, and emotional swings are common

· Give yourself extra patience and compassion

· Seek counseling if mood symptoms persist---

Kiss Your Brain — It’s Doing Its Best!

Your brain is your entire world: your personality, your memories, your decisions, your ability to love and connect. Healing from a concussion takes time, pacing, and gentle care—but with support and awareness, most people return to their full routines.

So the next time you make a choice (one of the 35,000 you’ll make today!), learn something new, or give someone a hug…

Don’t forget to Kiss Your Brain.

It Deserves the Love.

-Allison Buske