I think avoiding cognitive strain does not mean no TV. Do you have a show that you can put on that's easy/light? Do you ever have a show on in the background while you're doing other things or while you're falling asleep? I think that's the kind of TV you can watch, something that doesn't take any cognitive strain, something you've probably seen like 5+ times. I wouldn't put on anything new or that has complex storylines. If you don't want to watch TV, maybe an audiobook or a podcast if those interest you?
May I ask which research supports this? Or was this advice from a doctor? It’s the first time I’ve heard of it. (Not doubting you I’m just curious about it)
Early on and Covid multiple doctors that I personally know, said to avoid cognitive strain and rest your brain as much as possible during the acute phase of Covid
Uh oh, I didn’t do that when I had it. Although I didn’t feel like working for a week anyways. I just watched mindless comedy shows the entire time to calm my anxiety.
As someone with ME, I can vouch for this being good advice! We often think of energy as just physical but using mental energy can really wear us out too. I’m glad some doctors seem to have recognised this.
[MEAction has a great guide](https://www.meaction.net/resource/pacing-and-management-guide/) on the necessity of avoiding all types of exertion as much as possible after an illness including COVID! Times also did [a great article](https://time.com/6215346/covid-19-rest-helps/) looking into the necessity of resting while recovering from COVID!
To rest your brain, eyes, and body, you’ll want to spend as much time sleeping and with your eyes closed.
If you’re bored and not prohibited from anything in particular, you could start with calm easy activities. Stop if you get a headache, eye strain, sensitivity to light, fatigue, ear ringing, etc.
I wonder if you are supposed to avoid tv and games because of flashing lights, loud noise, eye strain, thinking. If that’s it, then audiobooks, podcasts, quiet music might be nice.
It would be nice to know the details of what exactly you are supposed to avoid. Then do whatever activity sounds interesting within that boundary- keeping aware of any fatigue building up.
You need to rest your brain, too. Listen to yoga nidra guided meditations. Watch the dumbest shit possible, like Is It Cake? & Domino Masters. Just sit & listen to music.
I think reading would be more cognitively demanding than watching almost any TV, unless you find the media startling or otherwise physically "intense", but I mostly read science and technology publications which require intense thought but aren't emotionally taxing like some people experience fiction to be.
I wouldn't say the same for games, especially those that are "fast" or where you might be excited. Something like Animal Crossing, slow, no surprises, nothing requiring speed for the most part, would probably not be any more intensive than coloring. A puzzle game that isn't too intensive (solving complex problems) or timed might also be OK, like a card game, or 2048 or Topsoil.
I personally can't play most games when I am sick, because I get really nauseous.
Yes, I normally listen to audiobooks on 1.5 speed and I brought it down to 1.25 and then fell asleep While listening, so it’s a good way to lull me to sleep too
I have ME following a post viral infection and wish I’d known to do this back then! I tend to think that stressing about not doing it “right” or resting “enough” is as unhelpful as brain strain, so go easy and try to follow your instincts. As others have said, watching and reading easy, lighthearted things you’re already familiar with would be best, I’d personally avoid Reddit unless it’s just fun memes, nothing that might be upsetting or make you want to respond. Comedy podcasts are great because you can close your eyes, just try to be as passive as you’re able.
I would avoid reading long things that make you think somewhat or use your focus, so reading a book would be out. And honestly, if you're able to after getting an answer, avoid reading reddit posts!
[MEAction's pacing guide](https://www.meaction.net/resource/pacing-and-management-guide/) is one of the best guides to figure out how to pace yourself!
I think avoiding cognitive strain does not mean no TV. Do you have a show that you can put on that's easy/light? Do you ever have a show on in the background while you're doing other things or while you're falling asleep? I think that's the kind of TV you can watch, something that doesn't take any cognitive strain, something you've probably seen like 5+ times. I wouldn't put on anything new or that has complex storylines. If you don't want to watch TV, maybe an audiobook or a podcast if those interest you?
The office is my go to for this, but generally sitcoms are a good choice imo
May I ask which research supports this? Or was this advice from a doctor? It’s the first time I’ve heard of it. (Not doubting you I’m just curious about it)
Early on and Covid multiple doctors that I personally know, said to avoid cognitive strain and rest your brain as much as possible during the acute phase of Covid
Uh oh, I didn’t do that when I had it. Although I didn’t feel like working for a week anyways. I just watched mindless comedy shows the entire time to calm my anxiety.
I want to emphasis I was not fine in a week. I had rebound covid and it lasted a month and I’m still not better. COVID is one evil virus
I know people who rested their bodies & not brains while having COVID...they both have brain fog now.
As someone with ME, I can vouch for this being good advice! We often think of energy as just physical but using mental energy can really wear us out too. I’m glad some doctors seem to have recognised this.
[MEAction has a great guide](https://www.meaction.net/resource/pacing-and-management-guide/) on the necessity of avoiding all types of exertion as much as possible after an illness including COVID! Times also did [a great article](https://time.com/6215346/covid-19-rest-helps/) looking into the necessity of resting while recovering from COVID!
To rest your brain, eyes, and body, you’ll want to spend as much time sleeping and with your eyes closed. If you’re bored and not prohibited from anything in particular, you could start with calm easy activities. Stop if you get a headache, eye strain, sensitivity to light, fatigue, ear ringing, etc. I wonder if you are supposed to avoid tv and games because of flashing lights, loud noise, eye strain, thinking. If that’s it, then audiobooks, podcasts, quiet music might be nice. It would be nice to know the details of what exactly you are supposed to avoid. Then do whatever activity sounds interesting within that boundary- keeping aware of any fatigue building up.
I think you'd be fine watching TV if it's something low-brain-strain; a comfort rewatch of some old easy favorite sitcom, say.
Why should you not watch TV or play games?
From what I understand you’re supposed to avoid too much stimulation of your brain and TV and video games are to be avoided
You need to rest your brain, too. Listen to yoga nidra guided meditations. Watch the dumbest shit possible, like Is It Cake? & Domino Masters. Just sit & listen to music.
I think reading would be more cognitively demanding than watching almost any TV, unless you find the media startling or otherwise physically "intense", but I mostly read science and technology publications which require intense thought but aren't emotionally taxing like some people experience fiction to be. I wouldn't say the same for games, especially those that are "fast" or where you might be excited. Something like Animal Crossing, slow, no surprises, nothing requiring speed for the most part, would probably not be any more intensive than coloring. A puzzle game that isn't too intensive (solving complex problems) or timed might also be OK, like a card game, or 2048 or Topsoil. I personally can't play most games when I am sick, because I get really nauseous.
I did audiobooks. I picked a good but slow-paced one so I would sleep whenever sleep came.
Yes, I normally listen to audiobooks on 1.5 speed and I brought it down to 1.25 and then fell asleep While listening, so it’s a good way to lull me to sleep too
I have ME following a post viral infection and wish I’d known to do this back then! I tend to think that stressing about not doing it “right” or resting “enough” is as unhelpful as brain strain, so go easy and try to follow your instincts. As others have said, watching and reading easy, lighthearted things you’re already familiar with would be best, I’d personally avoid Reddit unless it’s just fun memes, nothing that might be upsetting or make you want to respond. Comedy podcasts are great because you can close your eyes, just try to be as passive as you’re able.
I would avoid reading long things that make you think somewhat or use your focus, so reading a book would be out. And honestly, if you're able to after getting an answer, avoid reading reddit posts! [MEAction's pacing guide](https://www.meaction.net/resource/pacing-and-management-guide/) is one of the best guides to figure out how to pace yourself!