Every stroke survivor hits a plateau at some point. Often, the reason is fatigue, and the key to getting past this stage is finding a balance between pushing hard enough to stimulate the brain and ensuring you are well-rested.
Taking care of diet, managing stress, and getting plenty of sleep are all important components of successful stroke recovery.
Exercise Regularly
Stroke recovery is a long journey, and it is important to set goals for yourself. Be sure to check in with your healthcare providers regularly. This can help identify improvement areas and reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.
The key to successful stroke rehabilitation is consistent exercise. Stroke survivors should get in 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking to taking a class at a community health center.
It is also important to find ways to manage stress and relax. This can be done through yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing. Caregivers should remember to take care of themselves, too. It is easy to become overwhelmed with caring for a loved one after having a stroke.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is key to a successful recovery, as it can help control blood pressure and maintain an optimal body weight. It can also improve a stroke survivor’s energy levels, which can be challenging when recovering from a stroke.
A fish-rich diet can help a stroke survivor, as it is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and calcium, which can help with brain health and reduce the risk of another stroke. Avocados are a great addition to any diet, as they are high in oleic acid and contain antioxidants. Yogurt is another softer food option, as it contains probiotics and can improve gut health.
Stroke survivors should avoid foods containing excessive salt (sodium), as it can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of a second stroke. They should also limit the amount of sugar consumed, which can hurt their mental and physical state.
Reduce Stress
A stroke can wreak havoc on your emotional health, too. It’s common for survivors to feel frustrated by the slow pace of recovery, the fact that they can’t do everything they used to, and the impact a stroke can have on their relationships and finances.
The key to dealing with this feeling is to stay curious about your potential for recovery. If you keep aiming for the stars, you might land among them.
In addition, staying physically active can help reduce stress. When you exercise, your brain releases positive chemicals that can improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression or anxiety. Likewise, a healthy diet can also boost your mood and energy levels. Avoid unhealthy foods and limit your intake of alcohol, smoking, or supplements.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Many stroke survivors experience problems sleeping, including insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders, and disturbed sleep cycles. This can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and affect recovery.
Researchers believe getting enough high-quality sleep is crucial for successful stroke recovery because it promotes neuroplasticity. This process allows the brain to create and strengthen connections in healthy areas, which can help restore movement and other functions lost after a stroke.
Fatigue is a common problem after a stroke and can make concentrating hard. Try to schedule your daily activities so that you take a break every few hours and get plenty of rest at night.
Family caregivers need to get enough sleep, too, especially if they are helping their loved one recover from a stroke. This can prevent burnout and ensure you can provide your loved one with the care they need.
Stay Social
After a stroke, many patients experience emotional and social challenges. To avoid depression and anxiety, stroke survivors need to stay socially connected. This can be done through family and friends and by joining support groups.
In one study, researchers found that patients with high levels of social support had a better quality of life and more extensive recovery than those with lower support. This is because having someone to rely on after a stroke is important.
Teach friends and family members about a stroke and its symptoms so that they know what to look for. This can help reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. It is also important to keep follow-up appointments with the doctor and therapist.
