Wise words from Dr. Elyse Newland, OT, Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist:
"We will either find a way or make one." – Hannibal (247-182 BC), Carthaginian General.
"After a stroke or trauma in our lives, it can be very difficult to respond with hope and resilience. This perspective comes more naturally to some than it does to others.
First, I think it's important to note that if you are struggling, you're not alone and you're not broken. Dealing with any kind of trauma is incredibly tough. Finding peer support, support from loved ones, or talking with a mental health professional are good places to start.
But keep in mind that resilience is something you can build, even if it doesn't come naturally to you. Here are a few ways you can work on building resilience:
Small goals. Set a small and achievable goal each day. It could be getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or making a sandwich.
Learn from past reactions. What has helped you cope in the past? What strategies helped get you through hard times before? Can you try those now?
Don't ignore. If bad feelings are coming to the surface, don't ignore them. Reach out to someone. Find something positive to engage in.
Self-care. Try doing one nice thing for yourself every day. Maybe it's taking a minute to meditate or eating a square of dark chocolate every night. Maybe it's spending 30 minutes engaged in your favorite hobby!
Take care,
Elyse
P.S. A 2022 study showed that stroke survivors who went through a modified cardiac rehab program had a 78% increase in cardiac endurance, greater independence with self-care, and improvements in speech and cognition. Join me in my newest video for a 10-minute, seated, and low impact cardio workout."
Medical Disclaimer: All content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.