20. The importance of humor in stroke recovery and learning to say no to things that don't bring you joy!

06/15/23 • 45 min

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Episode 20 of "Life After Stroke: Say 'No' to Negativity, 'Yes' to Daily Fun," the importance of humor and learning to say no when it comes to your recovery and life after stroke. In this episode, I delve into the healing power of humor and the crucial importance of maintaining a positive outlook during the daunting journey of stroke recovery.
I start by highlighting how humor has been instrumental in my life, especially during challenging times post-stroke. I share my personal journey with you, emphasizing how humor has been a powerful tool for making conversations about stroke less intimidating and more approachable. I firmly believe in the power of positivity, channeling energy constructively, and making an effort every day, which has made a significant impact on my recovery path.
As our discussion progresses, I share my experiences of the daunting task of relearning to run as a stroke survivor. I provide an in-depth account of the struggles and the resilience required to relearn mechanics such as foot placement, shifting body weight, and arm swings - things that were once easy and effortless, and have these days can be "unbelievably difficult."
Beyond personal growth, I also explore the power of community in this episode. I believe in the strength of collaboration, community-building, and regular self-check-ins. I share my plans to launch new collaborations aimed at making the recovery journey easier for everyone.
Closing on a high note, I emphasize the central role of fun in our daily lives. Inspired by Arnold's quote - if something isn't fun, we shouldn't do it - I urge listeners to really consider making this a priority, to seek out joy in everyday life, especially for those of us overcoming life-altering events like a stroke. Just a reminder because going through something like a stroke is incredibly difficult more so

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Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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Previous Episode

19. Balancing Restoration and Reinvention: A Guide for Survivor's Navigating Their Journey through Recovery

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Podcast Episode Summary:

Switching from right-handed to left-handed (for right-side affected survivors)
- Personal preference and task importance are factors to consider
- Progress in other areas and individual effort are also important
- Recovering from injuries
- Takes time to rebuild
- Using principles of getting safe, stable, and building comfort to restore old abilities
- Restoring old abilities and improving can be challenging
- Reflection and planning for restoring or reinventing oneself
- Athlete mentality can help
- Finding balance is key
- Benefits of nasal breathing and correcting past habits
- Mental health improvements
- Finding enjoyment in activities once hated (such as running)
- Adaptation and finding the right solution
- Gray area between restoration and reinvention
- Professionals (physical, occupational, mental health) can help with planning and timeline
- Struggles of being a survivor or caregiver of survivors
- Need for personal assessment to determine goals for restoration or adaptation
- Mental and emotional side of recovery is important
- Importance of family and managing responsibilities
- Dealing with things that are manageable but being at home is better
- Uncle responsibilities and family-related responsibilities
[00:00:50] Sports documentaries connect to stroke recovery mindset.
[00:05:48] Rare lefties in sports- exceptions like Phil Mickelson, as it relates to stroke and brain, injuries and recovery.
[00:08:15] Practice, reflect, decide for self, balance.
[00:12:13] Ask hard questions, make a plan.
[00:15:44] Change of plans due to family event.
[00:19:39] "I don't want to be alone."
[00:23:00] Grateful for healing but overwhelmed with family.
[00:26:48] Stroke recovery requir

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Next Episode

21. Sleep is Key for Recovery: A Lifeline for Stroke and Brain Injury Survivors

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1️⃣ Establish a consistent sleep schedule: While I struggle with maintaining a consistent sleep schedule myself, I recognize the importance of having a routine. Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support recovery and physical restoration.

2️⃣ Breathing exercises for better sleep: I've discovered the power of breathing exercises before bed to regulate my body and promote better sleep. Breathing techniques can have a profound impact on our sleep quality and overall health.

Introduction & the importance of sleep in recovery.
- Bedroom temperature and preference for cooler temperatures
- Turning off all lights and TVs before going to sleep
- Offering a free 5-day email course on breathing exercises and tips for better breathing coming soon,
- Importance of positive lifestyle changes: quitting bad habits, improving nutrition, exercising, and focusing on sleep
- Changing breathing techniques as a game changer in recovery and overall health
- Sleep crucial for recovery, especially for stroke survivors and individuals undergoing physical therapy or regular exercise
- Different stages of sleep and their importance for physical restoration
- Importance of sleep and rest in stroke and brain injury recover
- Personal challenges with sleep and guilt associated with too much or too little sleep
- Need to establish good sleep habits and the impact of not getting enough sleep
- Importance of establishing a sleep habit and recognizing its importance
- Negative effects of lack of good sleep on mood and overall well-being
- Importance of deep sleep in reducing inflammation, regulating hormones, and promoting neuroplasticity in stroke recovery
- Better sleep reducing brain fog and improving memory, attention, and recovery
- Relevance of sleep and recovery lessons for stroke survivors, ca

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Survivor Science - 20. The importance of humor in stroke recovery and learning to say no to things that don't bring you joy!

Transcript

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So a couple of things to mention off the bat. Before we hop into this week's episode of the podcast. I watched a interesting thing on Netflix that I really enjoyed, which was the Arnold series, if you will, I don't know. I highly recommend it. I enjoyed it. I don't know Arnold personally. Yeah, I'm sure that's shock to all of you. But I do have the bodybuilding book from way back in the day. I used it in college. I've had it since college. Arnold,