Over 795,000 people suffer from a stroke each year in the U.S.
Strokes harm their victims physically, mentally, and emotionally. They burden both victim and caretaker(s). Furthermore, stroke recovery times vary per person: from a few months to a few years.
As a result, people lose their independence indefinitely. Such a loss can lead to other mental problems in addition to the pre-existing ones from their stroke.
This article provides tips to mitigate strokes’ aftereffects and reduce stroke recovery time.
Read on for more!
1. Practice Again and Again
Inpatient treatment and physical therapy teach stroke survivors basic exercises to regain mobility. We must practice these exercises consistently. Repetition allows the brain to rewire itself and perform basic executive tasks again.
We call this phenomenon neuroplasticity. The faster we re-stimulate neuroplasticity, the faster we can recover.
2. Use Cheap or Free Apps
Strokes require therapy sessions that often take place once or twice a week. However, that alone typically proves insufficient. Recovery time for a stroke depends on the individual’s effort, too.
Luckily, we can download cheap or free apps that help us with simple exercises and speech practices. We should use these to supplement therapy rather than substitute it.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
Healthy, balanced diets perform wonders on anyone’s body. Yet the proper diet can speed up recovery time from a stroke.
Fish, nuts, seeds, beans, and more can activate neurogenesis. Neurogenesis occurs when the brain produces new neurons. More neurons may help offset strokes’ aftereffects.
4. Sleep Well and Enough
Many people find themselves more tired than usual after a stroke. We should listen to our bodies and increase our sleep time as necessary.
Sleep assists with memory, movement, and energy. All of these become extremely helpful when we recover from a stroke.
5. Set Small, Attainable Goals
Recovery time for a stroke involves a mental component alongside the physical. We must treat this as a journey, or else we become overwhelmed and unmotivated.
For example, set the goal to speak simple phrases after 6 months. We can easily measure and record this. Progress then becomes visible. It gives us a foundation that we can build on.
Physical therapists, medical professionals/facilities, and rehabilitation centers can help us set these realistic goals. We can Google assisted living community near me to find one that best suits our needs.
Attaining the Best Stroke Recovery Time
Overall, the best stroke recovery time depends on a variety of factors. It requires a combined effort from a medical team, caretakers, and the individual themselves.
Additionally, we must promote our mental health plus our physical well-being throughout recovery. We can achieve significant function and regain independence. Of course, results vary and it takes different amounts of time for each person.
As always, we must remain realistic. That said, remember to stay patient, be consistent, and have hope.
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