Football season is officially here, and the hot button issue circling around the sport is concussions. From the NFL to high school football midget football, concussions are at the forefront of parent’s and coach’s minds. There has been a lot of work done to make coaches and parents aware of the signs of concussions, but what exactly should you do if you have been diagnosed with a concussion? Your doctor will give you specific instructions based on your symptoms, but most will recommend physical rest, cognitive rest, or likely a combination of the two.

By resting after a concussion, you are giving your brain time to recover fully. Initiating physical and mental activity too soon during your concussion recovery can actually set you back and exacerbate your symptoms. Concussion take on average, 10 days to heal before you can be cleared to return to play. When you are recommended to rest and take it easy, what exactly does that entail?

Physical rest: This is pretty straightforward. Physical rest means no sports, not lifting weights, no cardio, no gym class, nothing that will increase your heart rate, and no activities that would carry the risk of a head injury.

Cognitive rest: Cognitive rest is a little trickier nowadays. Cognitive rest means increased sleep, taking time off of school or work, nothing visually stimulating like television, cell phones, or computers, limited reading, and no traveling or hanging out. The idea is that you want to give your brain a break so that it has time to heal itself.

You should seek medical attention at the earliest signs of a concussion. A doctor will let you know what the best approach for a quick recovery is. Taking a few days off of physical and cognitive activity can vastly speed up the healing process, this is especially important if younger kids are exhibiting concussion like symptoms.