1. Retrain Your Brain Through Rehabilitation and Optimism
If you've had a stroke, your recovery process should begin quickly. Depending on the extent of your brain damage, your attitude and your willingness to attend rehab, you may overcome many of your disabilities. Through speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, counseling, fitness conditioning and attention training, you'll begin to retrain your brain to do certain tasks while teaching other brain areas to compensate for disabled portions. Your goal is to become more independent, which will help you return quickly to a lifestyle of productivity. Studies indicate that it's critical to maintain a positive attitude throughout your therapy program. Consider yourself a stroke survivor, not a stroke sufferer. Maintaining a sense of humor, feeling good about small improvements and diligently practicing difficult tasks can keep you focused on the future rather than stuck in the past.
2. Learn to Manage Fatigue
One of the most common aftereffects of a stroke is persistent fatigue. Tasks that used to be routine--standing, walking, cooking--can sap your energy quickly. If you fall victim to this overwhelming fatigue, you may also suffer from depression and a slowed recovery. Instead, learn techniques to manage your exhaustion before it gets the best of you.
Work with your physical and occupational therapists to simplify tasks and use your energy efficiently. They may also give you an exercise program designed to increase your endurance; you should notice an eventual improvement in your stamina. Plan outings or activities during the part of the day when you are most energetic. If you struggle in the morning, avoid a lengthy trip to the grocery store. Instead, rest in the morning, so you'll be ready for afternoon shopping.
Begin a healthy eating regimen if you did not adhere to one before. You may even want to meet with a nutritionist to determine what combination of proteins, complex carbohydrates and produce will boost your energy, maintain your blood pressure and stave off future strokes.
3. Resume Physical Activity
Though you may want to spend many of your recovery days in bed, remember that too much down time causes muscle atrophy and overall weakness. Plan short naps or rest periods throughout your day instead, and offset them with activities that make your muscles work. It's important to resume physical activity when rehabbing from a stroke, since a growing body of studies indicates that exercise can benefit you from physiological, functional, sensorimotor and endurance standpoints. Physical fitness can also improve your quality of life, releasing adrenaline and endorphins that give you a sense of well-being.
If you've been approved by your stroke team to begin exercising, the American Heart Association recommends doing between 20 and 60 minutes of aerobic activity 3 to 7 days a week. Remember to incorporate light resistance exercise and core muscle work into your program, which will help you improve your strength, balance and flexibility.
4. Redefine Your Sexuality
One of the most difficult things to do after experiencing a stroke is to return to a normal sex life. While sex within a loving relationship can be mentally and physically satisfying, you'll probably encounter a decrease in libido or in your perceived body image. Start slowly by talking to your partner about your fears and communicating through touches, kisses and hugs. When you're ready for intercourse, plan it in advance, so there are no interruptions. If you feel pain or discomfort during sex, alert your partner. Experiment with caressing, massage and other forms of intimacy until you're ready to try again. Remember, focusing on compassion will help initiate psychological healing as well.
