Mindfulness to Support Concussion Recovery

Mindfulness practice is increasingly recognized as an evidenced-based tool that can support various aspects of recovery from concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. At Flatirons Cognitive Therapy, we often work with clients who are navigating both cognitive and emotional challenges post-concussion.  This can include difficulties with emotional regulation, attention, and impulse control. Mindfulness, which is the practice of intentional, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, is a practical way to reduce stress, improve attention skills, and provide the space to consider responses before acting.

A key benefit of mindfulness in concussion recovery is its ability to enhance attention. After a brain injury, many individuals struggle with sustaining focus, shifting attention, and filtering distractions. Mindfulness exercises, such as box breathing or body scans, work by training the brain to make observations about what is happening internally or externally, then redirect focus to the present moment.  Greater awareness of what is taking place in one’s brain, body, or environment can translate into increased symptom management and improved ability to see tasks through to completion.

Mindfulness can also play a role in response inhibition and emotional self-regulation, two areas commonly impacted by concussion. Individuals may find themselves more impulsive or reactive, due to the brain's reduced ability to filter and inhibit responses. Mindfulness can teach individuals to pause, notice internal cues, and make more deliberate choices in how they respond to stressors. Practice lengthening the time between a stimulus and a response can enhance effective communication skills and lead to fewer impulsive decisions.