David BrimacombePost-concussion syndrome (PCS) recovery coach

Concussion Recovery Tip: Small Wins + Gratitude = Momentum #concussionrecovery #brainhealing

15 Nov 2025 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:52

In this excerpt, David Brimacombe explains that post-concussion syndrome (PCS) often involves dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, leaving the body stuck in a sympathetic (stress) state. This heightened stress makes everyday inconveniences feel overwhelming and fosters a victim mindset. He describes how deliberately practicing gratitude and focusing on small, positive aspects of life—such as a snow‑free day in November—can shift the nervous system. By doing so, he experienced measurable physiological changes: reduced heart rate, lowered sympathetic tone, and decreased overall inflammation, leading to an overall feeling of improvement.

Chapters

thing that gets dysregulated in someone with PCS is their autonomic nervous system. Their body gets stuck in the sympathetic state, and when you're stuck in the sympathetic state, your body feels stressed. Any and every inconvenience becomes monumental. Anything that someone says or does, will do to you, makes you feel like the world is against you. I felt for the longest time that I was just a victim of my circumstances. I felt like I was destined to be this way for the rest of my life and that I had no say in outcome? Well, once I started practicing gratitude and looking at the small things of life— for example, a day in November without snow— okay, then I was able to shift my nervous system. I decreased my heart rate, I decreased my sympathetic tone, and I decreased my overall inflammation. I just felt better.