How to Stop Letting Concussion Symptoms Control Your Life

Do you ever avoid activities because you’re worried they’ll trigger your concussion symptoms? Maybe you find yourself anxious about new experiences, unsure of how your body will react... If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many people with persistent concussion symptoms feel like they’ve lost control over their lives... but the good news is, there’s a way to take back that control.

Living with concussion symptoms is *hard*... I get it. These symptoms don’t just affect you physically; they also mess with your emotions and cognitive abilities. It’s exhausting, isolating, and sometimes... it can feel like everything you used to enjoy is suddenly off-limits. When symptoms start dictating your life, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of fear and avoidance. 

But here’s the thing... fear can actually make symptoms worse. That’s right — the more we fear symptoms, the more likely we are to overthink them... which often leads to a nasty cycle of heightened awareness and more intense symptoms. It’s like your brain goes on high alert, constantly searching for signs of danger.

The truth is... we need to change the way we think about our symptoms.

How Fear of Symptoms Makes Things Worse

When we start fearing our symptoms, it’s like adding fuel to the fire. The brain is an incredibly powerful thing, and when it starts associating certain activities or sensations with danger, it can lead to a positive feedback loop... but not in a good way. Instead of calming down, the brain becomes even more sensitive to symptoms, creating a loop where fear begets symptoms, and symptoms beget more fear.

This is where neuroplasticity comes into play. You’ve probably heard me talk about neuroplasticity before... and how it’s this amazing ability of the brain to rewire itself for healing and recovery. But here’s the kicker... neuroplasticity can work *against* you too. If your brain constantly links symptoms with a sense of threat, it can reinforce that connection, making the symptoms feel even more overwhelming.

So... how do we break that cycle?

Enter: Somatic Tracking

This is where somatic tracking comes in. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t worry — it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Somatic tracking is a way to observe your symptoms without judgment or fear. Instead of immediately panicking when you feel a headache coming on, or when dizziness hits, somatic tracking encourages you to explore the sensations with curiosity and safety.

Think of it like this... when a symptom pops up, instead of thinking “Oh no, here we go again,” try thinking “Hmm, that’s interesting... what’s my body telling me right now?” It’s all about approaching the sensations with a sense of curiosity instead of fear. This subtle shift in mindset can help calm your nervous system and reduce the power that symptoms hold over you.

Practical Tips for Somatic Tracking

Somatic tracking isn’t just a mental exercise... it’s a practice that you can build over time. Here are a few tips to get started:

1. Notice the sensation ~ When a symptom starts, try not to immediately label it as “bad.” Instead, simply acknowledge that it’s there.

2. Get curious ~ Ask yourself, “Where do I feel this in my body?” or “What does this sensation actually feel like?” The goal is to explore the symptom without adding layers of fear or anxiety.

3. Create a sense of safety ~ Remind yourself that this is just a sensation... and that sensations are a normal part of life. They aren’t dangerous. You’re safe.

4. Track the change ~ Pay attention to how the sensation shifts over time. Does it get stronger, weaker, or move to a different part of your body? 

By practicing somatic tracking, you’re training your brain to view symptoms not as threats, but as normal, manageable experiences. Over time, this can help reduce your overall sensitivity to symptoms and give you more control over how you respond to them.

Reclaiming Your Freedom

The beauty of somatic tracking is that it puts the power back in your hands... or should I say, back in your *brain*. When you stop fearing your symptoms and start viewing them with curiosity, you begin to break the cycle of fear and overthinking. This is where freedom starts to return to your life... because now, instead of avoiding activities or letting symptoms rule your day, you’re in control.

If you’ve been struggling with persistent concussion symptoms and want to learn more about how to navigate the road to recovery, check out my Concussion Mini-School. It’s designed to help people just like you... offering education, support, and practical strategies for healing. ~ You don’t have to do this alone.

SIGN UP HERE: ConcussionMini-School 

Remember... your symptoms don’t define you. You can take back control. Let’s get curious about what’s really going on in your body and start rewriting your recovery story.