How routine helps with brain injury recovery

The Role of Routine in Recovering from Brain Injury

Incorporating routine can significantly enhance recovery from brain injuries. Continue reading this week’s article to discover how!

What is a Routine?

According to Merriam-Webster, a routine is defined as “a regular course of procedure.” It refers to a series of actions or tasks performed consistently. For instance, your morning routine might include:

- Waking up

- Using the bathroom

- Taking a shower

- Getting dressed

- Walking the dog

- Eating breakfast

How Routines Aid Recovery After a Brain Injury

Adopting and maintaining a routine supports brain injury recovery in several key ways:

- Enhances Memory: Repeating a routine helps make subsequent actions more automatic. For example, you likely don’t need to consciously remind yourself to fasten your seatbelt—it’s become a routine.

- Improves Time Management: By setting a routine, you plan ahead and determine how your time will be used, reducing the mental effort spent deciding what to do next.

- Promotes Smooth Transitions: Following a consistent routine each day creates a predictable flow, allowing you to move seamlessly from one activity to another.

- Reduces Distractions: With a routine in place, you no longer need to ponder “What should I do next?” Your routine serves as a guide, helping you stay focused on the present moment.

How to Incorporate Routines After a Brain Injury

Begin by considering any routines you had before your injury. If they were effective then, you don’t need to reinvent them—continue using those familiar routines.

Start with small steps. If you haven’t already established one, create a simple morning routine to kickstart your day intentionally. Writing down the steps of your morning routine can help reinforce it until it becomes second nature.

For additional assistance in developing routines, consider consulting a speech therapist.