Stroke recovery guide: Take the first step to recovery now

Stroke, a teacher!!

This is the list of “The ten Lessons this stroke taught me so far!!!”:

Disclaimer: The following lessons I am about to share are based on my personal experience as a stroke survivor. While these lessons may resonate with others who have also experienced a stroke or will experience it in the future, it is important to recognize that everyone’s journey and recovery process is unique. The impact of a stroke can vary widely, and the lessons or their extent learned may differ from person to person. The lessons shared here are intended to offer insights and perspectives, but they should not replace professional medical guidance or individualized care. It could be seen as “A Stroke Recovery Guide: Take the First Step to Recovery Now”

1)    Remove negativity and embrace positivity in your life. Our lives are continuously encircled by sources of negativity which affect our mental and emotional states. Social media, friends, colleagues, even family—just about anything and anyone can be the source of negativity. Heart breaking, but that’s the reality we live in. Surrounding yourself with positivity can be an essential step in the quest to living your best life. For example, if browsing social media or reading the news puts you into a negative mental state, it might be best to limit your time doing those activities and instead do things that you find rejuvenating or constructive. Similarly, if one of your family members, friends or colleagues is constantly pulling you into their sphere of negative energy, choose to spend time with more positive people instead. A stroke can fundamentally shift one's perspective on life, priorities, and what truly matters.

2)    Stop bothering over things you can never ever control. Remember that looking back is not about dwelling in the past, but rather using it as a tool for personal growth and understanding. Embrace the memories, learn from them, appreciate the journey that has led you to where you are today and use the learnt lessons to make a better future. Regrets are just a waste of time. “The more you’re afraid to fail, the more likely you are to fail!!”, “The more you fail, the more likely you are to succeed!!!!”

3)    Reframe thoughts to find a positive perspective Reframing requires seeing something in a new way, in a context that allows us to recognize and appreciate positive aspects of our new situation. Reframing helps us to use whatever life hands us as opportunities to be taken advantage of, rather than problems to be avoided. Anyhow, reframing is not a denial that the challenges we are currently deal with are difficult ones. In my experience, I keep telling me, “I need to keep writing to finish this book”, although it is time and energy consuming. However, adapting a positive frame of mind to reframe tasks in your daily life is a great way to change your perspective and improve your mental health. You can learn to cultivate mindfulness, focusing on the present and finding gratitude for small victories and everyday joys

4)    Recite a positive inner monologue.  An ordinary person’s inner dialogue mostly is made of adverse self-talk because their mental programming is messed up. According to studies, most of the time, our inner speech comprises negative things about ourselves, our negative emotions, or us trying to decide if we’re good enough. It has been proven that creating a positive inner voice bring numerous advantages. It’s a window to a better you and a better life. It’s one of the biggest investments you can make in yourself. Engage yourself in a daily routine remaindering yourself to have only positive thoughts, which will ultimately increase your confidence and make you feel happier. You can even write and recite a longer positive affirmation each morning. This has been proven to improve mental health. “Loving or hating the life you are living is solely all in your repeated self-talk.” -- Edmond Mbiaka

5)    Learn to say “NO”. “After I said No, It gave me a sense of fulfillment. It's liberating. It's a breath of fresh air. It's a feeling I have never felt in a very long time. One substance I realized from what happened to me is recognizing people who are true to me and who cares for me. For this I learned to say no to people who do not deserve my yes.”

6)    Take care of your body. Your mental welfare is strongly linked to your physical well-being. It's much easier to maintain a positive attitude when you get enough sleep, drink enough water, and exercise regularly. Simple changes like getting eight hours of sleep a night or going for a walk every day might be the key to finding that new perspective and sustaining a positive outlook.  Additionally, learn how to manage and reduce stress, and seeking appropriate medical care. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help you develop self-awareness and manage stress.

7)    Perform good deeds. When you do a good deed for others, you will transform their day to a better one. Studies show that performing something pleasant for someone else can make your day a little better too.

8)    Write down everything is in your mind and heart. When you write your thoughts down, something takes over and the writing becomes more serious and more purposeful. It’s like magic. In a short while the mind calms down and reorganizes. It probably because in the process of writing, feelings and emotions become clearer and hidden thoughts and feelings come to the surface to bring a more complete light to the situation. In due time, what’s really bothering you, what has been obscured by incessant worrying and obsessive repetition of the same thoughts, comes to the surface as clear as daylight. It is extremely satisfying when writing down your thoughts and feelings results in insights into yourself, other people, and situations. You grow in personal wisdom that can serve you, and others, for the rest of your life and that is very fulfilling. You become an asset to society because you are growing in self-awareness.

9)    Embrace a personal spiritual practice: Cultivate a personal spiritual practice that aligns with your beliefs and resonates with you. This may involve prayer, meditation, gratitude practices, or any other form of connecting with the divine or higher power. Regularly engaging in a personal spiritual practice can deepen your connection and sense of faith. Your faith will get you through this hard times to reach your future.

10) Seek guidance and support. The more honest you are about your faults and struggles; the more people will think you’re perfect. The amazing thing about vulnerability is the more comfortable you are about not being that great, the more people will think you are. The support of family, friends, and caregivers plays a vital role in the recovery process. Stroke survivors realize the importance of surrounding themselves with a strong support system that can provide encouragement, understanding, and assistance. If you're struggling with questions or doubts, consider seeking guidance from religious leaders, spiritual teachers, or counselors who can provide insights and support. They can help address your concerns, clarify your beliefs, and guide you on y