Has anyone found a new hobby therapeutic?

[Lasbville]

Hi everyone,

My husband is going to be discharged home from his rehab unit at the end of the week after being away for 5 months after a TBI. He’s made an astonishing recovery after some time in hospital from ICU to trauma wards to the great unit he’s in now. He still has some mobility issues and cognitive fatigue to overcome, but I wondered if anyone has found any new hobbies or activities at home therapeutic. Either for relaxation, or dexterity or to help concentration....

I’ve been thinking that finding him something to do could alleviate some boredom and might actually help him along.

Could anyone help suggest some ideas I could put forward to him aside from prescribed therapy?

Thanks in advance 😊

[Shreds]

Hi,

The fatigue thing is unavoidable it seems. I will say that I find I can type and operate the computer no problem now, that wasn't always the case in the early days and maybe something that is less focussed on concentrating may be the way to go in the early days.

Did he have any hobbies or interests before the TBI? Reconnecting with those may be therapeutic and helpful, but we are all different. Personally I would try and avoid anything that requires long periods of heavy mental concentration. I would let him decide though….giving him back some control may make him feel more empowered and self reliant. TBIs don't always destroy everything. (Its a bit like not all wheelchair users want pushing everywhere, some want to do things themselves, but that all very personal stuff).

You say mobility issues are still relevant, but one thing I have found that I never did before is doing a little static exercise tends to get the blood pumping, which can only be good. Obviously depends on his mobility and other outcomes, but you are in a good position to judge. But as said, don't try and take over, just be trhere to help and assist where required. Its all about getting those neural connections rebuilding themselves.

Things to help relax will assist together with calmness and lack of anxiety are what my neuro recommended. How right he was.

Best.

[Painting-girl]

It is water colour painting for me - it was such a relief to do something and be ' in the flow' again 😊

[heathermc]

What about jigsaws.. you can get them.small or large something simple to begin with Perhaps choose a picture he loves..

I know this sounds crazy but knitting ..colouring books..even.paint by numbers ..

I took up patch work quilting ..cross stitch ..it's very relaxing

Even word search puzzle books..I kept it simple to begin with ..you van concentrate on it for short periods .

I hope it's been of some help

Wishing you all a safe recovery

Thanks

[sospan]

As Heather mentioned these are the perfect things to start with as they are low impact in terms of cognitive stress but high returns in terms of developing new neural pathways around the damage.

However, I don't know how hubby's personality work or what his mood is like but blokes generally struggle with rehab. We either dismiss it, or want to rush through it. It may be a struggle to sell something like jigsaws which are perfect in terms of establishing many skills.

There is a lot of debate amongst professionals about goal setting. e.g. last week you could walk 500m, this week lets see if we can do more. Some see it as motivational others see it as too much pressure and then having to deal with failure if it isn't met.

As someone whom knows him the best you have to get into his old head and also his new head as you may find subtle changes once he is home.

Needless to say there will be all sorts of information coming towards you that you have to filter and put into context.

All the best

[Pairofboots]

Hi, I have loads of hobbies, well I say loads, they are all sitting there waiting for me to try them, telescopic, juggling balls, harmonica, guitar, I'm sure the list will grow.

The hobbies I had pre hiccup, are very physical, some may say extreme, but I know that I don't have the strength to pursue these now.

Best to work with what your husband finds interesting.

Good luck 🍀

[cat3]

Hi Lasbville. It was crosswords, word searches and online solitaire and jigsaws for me. Apparently these are recommended for helping with brain plasticity and rewiring, but for me it was mostly about confidence building and getting back to something normal.

It depends on your man's personal tastes of course, and his level of mobility. My mobility has been poor since the brain injury but I kept occupied pottering in my garden for short periods (inspired by Springtime) and being outdoors was therapeutic & empowering.

Also, unless your husband has natural artistic talent, painting by numbers can be really absorbing and creative, and unlike the early ones, present versions are sophisticated enough for end results to be worthy of framing ! I think I have a good eye for art, but on admiring framed water colours in my neighbour's kitchen I was shocked to learn they were created using painting by numbers !

Best wishes going forward m'dear.. x

[Kirk5w7]

Hi, I also used paint by numbers, these can be obtained in differing levels of complexity, so ideal.Janet x

[Lasbville]

Thanks everyone, these suggestions and information is really appreciated xx