Mental Capacity

[Rani G2]

Hey comrades,

does anyone know of strategies to activate the brain? Easy ones, less games more stuff that can be practised easily. Meditation? Or other techniques.

I feel this capacity has reduced. I was able to access more information two years ago, now this has reduced. Yes I am aware that there are so many Methods, books on this topic. Someone who actually practises these stuff in a daily basis is more interesting.

What do you do to keep you concentration level high?

Shankara

 

[FauxLiz]

I have struggled with this over the past few years. Issues with my ability to concentrate at work, issues with remembering tasks, putting names to faces. It was bad for the first time in my life focus and memory started being brought up in my work evaluations. I tried occupational therapy, memory games, anything that I could think of. I finally tried medication. I can't speak for whether this would work for you or anyone else but my Pdoc prescribes Adderall. I tried Ritalin first but it wasn't really doing anything. I have been on the Adderall for 4 months now and I am noticing a positive improvement.

I can't tell you definitively though that my issues with memory and focus were 100% caused by my PTSD, I had brain surgery several years ago to resolve other issues and that may have impacted my memory and focus but it is at least worth a try.

 

[Gs172003]

Hey comrades,

does anyone know of strategies to activate the brain? Easy ones, less games more stuff...

For me I have to relax. I've come to realize that the harder I try, the worse it is. I have to let it come naturally. It's the same way with breathing. When I catch myself hyperventilating and it freaks me out, trying to breathe better makes it worse. Grounding techniques and just letting it happen on its own works better. But that's just me

 

[Naoru]

I really have no answers, but I came here to say I can relate. I'm shocked at how poor my concentration is these days ... makes me feel inadequate.

My concentration levels definitely improve when stress is low ... and there are no people around ... no noise ... no distractions ... no people ... oh, I said that one already.

Yeah, what @Zoogal said - relaxation. Can't force it.

 

[Gs172003]

I put a carton of eggs in the freezer yesterday. Just sayin

 

[shimmerz]

does anyone know of strategies to activate the brain?

Oh, there are no worries about my brain being activated. They are just activated on the wrong things!

I have signed up for different things to help me to focus. Kid level math, spelling, reading, writing.... stuff like that to try to train myself to be more outside of myself than inside. It works to a degree.

Meditation, I am afraid, for me, takes me deeper into myself and the hell that lives in my subconscious.

 

[Gs172003]

Oh, there are no worries about my brain being activated. They are just activated on the wrong things!...

My therapist said no to meditation.

 

[shimmerz]

My therapist said no to meditation.

I am really glad that doctors are finally figuring this out.

Van Der Kolk On Mindfulness And Why It May Cause Dissociation

 

[Angela Corgan]

I don't take any medication I refuse - that helps! Means I don't have so muxh vrain fog. If I am in a very, very bad way, I do tiny bits of work at a time, if I have a deadline I plan it out with time for lapses. I never beat myself up mentally if I cannot do the work, just keep calm, if possible cuddle down, and know I will feel better soon. If I didn't love my work and worked in a conventional office I would just be very unwell.

 

[Rani G2]

I have been on the Adderall for 4 months now and I am noticing a positive improvement.

I can't tell you definitively though that my issues with memory and focus were 100% caused by my PTSD, I had brain surgery several years ago to resolve other issues and that may have impacted my memory and focus but it is at least worth a try.

FauxLiz, good to read that you are experiencing a positive change with medication. I dont take medication right now as my condition is not that severe. So, its not in discussion!Who knows, maybe things will change I will have to rethink about that.

Wishing you the best for your future.

Kid level math, spelling, reading, writing.... stuff like that to try to train myself to be more outside of myself than inside.

Hey shimmerz, I think learning like you say is never too late to keep activating our synaptic tracks. What exactly do you mean with being more external? Focusing on a thing, rather than thought oriented?

Thanks

Hey Zoogal,

this makes sense, the more I try the harder it gets. It leaves me anxious and I tend to feel tired.
So, being more relaxed makes sense.

Thanks for writing.

My concentration levels definitely improve when stress is low ... and there are no people around ... no noise ... no distractions ... no people ... oh, I said that one already.

Hey Naoru,
Thanks. I tend to notice that too. More people meaning more distraction. That Makes focusing harder.


@Angela Corgan

just like you, I havent taken medication, only for a very short period of time a few years ago. Being more aware of our own limits, without criticising ourselves for not being functional 100%. Thats a big problem, where humans are suppose to be fit for work all the time. Not considering the phases where we need to regenarate.

Thanks for sharing!!!!!

 

[Mytime]

Have you heard of brain gym. You may find it interesting:)

 

[shimmerz]

What exactly do you mean with being more external? Focusing on a thing, rather than thought oriented?

Focus on something other than PTSD spin out. Train myself to focus on external puzzles, things.... I find I get too wound up in my head.