Stroke Victim Recreational Activities
Staying active both physically and mentally is important after a stroke. Continuing a hobby or creating new recreational activities can be therapeutic.Trying to get active again may seem hard at first, but the more you do it, the easier it will become.
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Hobbies
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If you had a hobby prior to the stroke, it is important to resume it soon as you can after a stroke. If you did not have a hobby before, you may want to try your hand at a new one. This may help you physically, mentally and emotionally.
Painting can help you express yourself. Having a stroke can make you feel depressed and blue, and painting is a good hobby as well as therapeutic.
Working with clay is another good, therapeutic hobby. It will help you regain strength in your hands and arms as well as get you to use your imagination. Working with clay can also be relaxing and may help you release any inhibitions you may have about your situation.
Gardening is another way to relax, express yourself and help with physical handicaps. If you are unable to garden standing up because of physical weaknesses, you can garden sitting down. Some people find they are still able to garden from a wheelchair by using a greenhouse or tending to indoor plants.
Play cards with friends is another good activity. You can socialize, use your mind and have fun.
Physical Activities
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In order to resume certain physical activities, sometimes physical therapy is needed. You also need to have patience and allow yourself to fail. Physical activity can be great to lift the spirits and help ease depression.
Physical activities can include walking down the street, or walking around the block. Shuffle board is a favorite sport of the elderly and may be a good, low-impact sport for you to take up. Swimming can be a good sport for stroke victims. Classes may be offered at the YMCA for people who have disabilities. Swimming gets muscles moving and the blood flowing.
Mental Activities
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Using your mind after a stroke is important. Your brain is a muscle and if not exercised it can atrophy.
There are exercises you can do for your brain to keep it functioning at its optimum. Try doing a puzzle or word games. The number puzzle Sudoko is great for strengthening the mind. Play other mental games such as recalling all your children's names, writing them down, and then do all of your grandchildren's names. Try to remember their married names and ages.
Books of puzzles and brain teasers may help keep your brain active. Keep one handy to work at home or at your doctor's appointment.
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