After having a stroke, you may experience a very sudden and dramatic shift in your quality of life. Your body will likely not function the way it originally did and the difficulties you face may make it harder to overcome feelings of depression. But regardless of the extent to where your stroke has negatively impacted your life, there are usually ways you can improve your quality of life.

Continue to Engage in Aerobic Exercise

Engaging in regular aerobic exercise will help improve your quality of life by increasing your energy. However, you will need to determine the best form of exercise with assistance from your medical support team. Even spending a few minutes a day engaged in aerobic exercise can help you feel more energetic.

Do Not Ignore Your Depression

Depression is one of the most common negative effects of suffering a stroke. During the rehabilitation process, you may feel more confidence. But this will often need to be coupled with mental health services to help you cope with the challenges of adjusting to depression. You will feel a range of emotions associated with the stroke and in many cases, the best option is to simply experience the emotion rather than trying to suppress it.

Learn How to Cope

Studies show that some of the most effective ways of coping with the stress of a stroke have been:

  • Cultivating a sense of humor

  • Turning to religion (for those with a religious background)

  • Engaging in positive reinterpretation: To engage in positive reinterpretation, begin using positive words in your thoughts rather than negative words. For example, rather than think about how you are struggling, focus on how you are overcoming challenges. Pay close attention to your thoughts and practice thinking these thoughts in a positive way.

Avoid Behavioral Disengagement

The biggest mistake you can make after a stroke is behavioral disengagement. This is when you cope with a stroke by pretending that it did not happen and living as if you had never suffered from a stroke. Doing so can prevent you from fully recovering.

Consider Palliative Care

If you are struggling to cope with the symptoms of a stroke, you may be better off receiving palliative care. Through this type of treatment program, several medical professionals will be working together to improve your quality of life regardless of the medical state you are in. Even if you cannot recover, you do not have to suffer.

For more information, contact a professional like those at Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care.

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