b'THE PROBLEM: THE KIDS ARE AT HOME MORETHE PROBLEM: INCREASED SCREEN TIMECOVID-19 has caused the closure of summer schools andSince quarantine began, screen time has increased drasti-kids activity resources, which means family members arecally. Now, not only are people using screens for recreational at home together more hours in the day. And even whenactivities and media, but many find themselves attending facilities open, social distancing measures may drasticallyclasses or working, all via digital means. Increased use can change how often you utilize the resources. On one hand,be especially problematic for TBI survivors who deal with the extra family time can be great. For TBI survivors, how- screen sensitivity. More screen time can lead to headaches, ever, this often means more noise and chaos during whateye pain, eye strain, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping, normally would have been quiet, solitary hours to rest.among other post-brain injury symptoms.SOLUTION: IT IS OK TO TAKE A TIME-OUT SOLUTION: TAKE A BREAK FROM THE We have heard from many TBI patients that the increasedSCREEN AND FIND NEW OUTLETSnumber of people and activities in the home has intensifiedIts healthy to follow the 20-20-20 rule (for every 20 min-their symptoms because of overstimulation. Our advice toutes using a screen, spend 20 seconds looking at something these patients has been that it is all right to take extra breaks20 feet away). Additionally, you can break the endless screen when needed. The same goes for you. Look for opportunitiescycle by taking a break from it when you need to. Find other throughout your day to take little breaks. Perhaps you havehealthy coping methods (see Figure 1. Strategies) for your 10 minutes while the kids are napping or watching a movie.stress. If you find yourself naturally drawn to screens for Maybe you have just 15 minutes between Zoom meetingsdistraction, make a note to try one of these instead:for work. Maybe your break can come while your dinner is cooling. Use that time to de-stimulate. Find a quiet and/orCall a friend you havent talked to in a whiledark room if you can. Practice some slow, deep breathing.Take a treat to a neighborHelp your mind and body slow down. Dont be discouragedDo a puzzle or play a board gameif you feel you need extra breaks to get through your day.Cook a meal Everyone is under extra pressure in these strange times. BeListen to an audiobookcompassionate with yourself and your needs. Send your family a care packagecontinued page 2119 The Noggin | 2020vol 5issue 2'