Brain trauma can range from mild to severe. Severe cases are also known as TBI or traumatic brain injury. Symptoms vary according to trauma level, but regardless of your level of injury, you can benefit from exercise of some kind. Brain trauma patients who regularly exercise have fewer cognitive, emotional and physical complaints and symptoms than those who do not. Exercise also speeds up your healing process. Check with your doctor first because not all exercise may be appropriate for your particular injury.
Increases Lung and Heart Capacity
Include exercises that increase lung and heart capacity in your workout plan if you have experienced a brain trauma. Known as aerobics, these activities increase your heart rate for an extended period of time. You should schedule aerobic exercise in 30-minute increments at least five days weekly. Examples of aerobic exercise includes bicycling, either on a stationary exercise bike indoors or regular bicycle outdoors; swimming or other water-based activities including water walking, calisthenics such as jumping jacks or water jogging; running, speed walking or jogging. Start walking indoors or outdoors at a moderately brisk pace to get aerobic exercise. Wear proper equipment and clothing to prevent injury.
Increases Relaxation
Exercise can provide relaxation if you've experienced a brain trauma, according to Brain Line. The cumulative effect of stress on the brain can kill and damage brain cells. Exercise is a natural stress reducer. Lower your stress levels by engaging in a hobby such as photography, gardening, landscaping, bowling or dancing. Get together with friends and form a walking group to combine socialization---a natural stress reliever---with exercise. Take a yoga or tai chi class, both forms of exercise known for increasing relaxation while toning the body. Begin meditating daily and learn how to breathe deeply for relaxation.
Improves Concentration
Nonaerobic exercise that improves concentration levels plays an important role in recuperating from brain trauma. This kind of exercise enhances cognitive abilities and helps keep your brain operating properly because it increases your information-processing capabilities and thinking speed, notes Craig Hospital. Cognition includes memory, learning capabilities, problem solving, focusing and attention, impulse control and clear thinking. Nonaerobic exercise includes yoga, bowling and golf.
Improves Organizational Abilities
Organizational capabilities may be lost or diminished after brain trauma, notes Dr. Glen Johnson. Using organizational exercises can help train your brain to become better organized. Get a dry marker board for this exercise. Start by listing a number of activities you would like to accomplish within the day. If you have 50 items listed, reduce that amount to five so your day appears less overwhelming. As you complete a task, erase it from the list or cross it off with a line. Do not add more tasks until you have completed the original ones listed. For each task you complete, add a new task. Prepare your organizational board early in the day to avoid late-day fatigue, which can further disrupt your organizational abilities.
