I am not as motivated as I used to be when I first left hospital.
This was a comment made by a Stroke Survivor who was taking part in a focus group in which I was participating.
It was not the first time that I had heard this comment, and it got me thinking as to why this would occur.
Staying motivated during stroke rehabilitation can be challenging because of the nature of stroke rehab. Stroke rehab is different to other forms of rehab that you would undertake,eg if you had a sprained ankle, or a knee replacement.
In these cases, the rehab program would be finite, there would be an ending,but in my opinion, post stroke rehab is perpetual in nature.
I consider myself in rehab for the rest of my days, and to assist you if you feel your motivation is waning and want to continue making progress, I have a number of suggestions which may help you.
Set Realistic Goals.
Break down your rehabilitation into small, achievable goals. This can help you see progress and feel a sense of accomplishment.
For example, if you used to enjoy painting, set a goal to hold a paintbrush again, break your goal into stages or steps and work on attaining each step, rather than focussing on the entire goal.
Adopt a “Marathon “mindset.
Rehab benefits do not accrue overnight, it takes time, that’s the nature of stroke rehab. Be patient, and you will soon feel the benefits of your efforts. I speak from personal experience
My blog "A Long and Winding Road" details the time frames that I encountered to meet my rehab objectives
Look at the things you used to do before your stroke which contain elements of your rehab routine.The attached picture shows the various activities that I undertake as a means of doing my rehab.
If you have to do reaching exercises, try putting the washing on the line and taking it done when dry, or emptying the dishwasher.
Find Enjoyable Activities:
Engage in activities that you find enjoyable and fulfilling. This can help take your mind off your rehab activities and make it more enjoyable.
Activities like board games, gardening, knitting, photography, or cooking can be both relaxing and beneficial.
Surround yourself with encouraging people.
Such as family members, friends, or caregivers. They can help you stay motivated by providing support and encouragement.
Address Emotional Challenges.
It's important to address any emotional challenges you may be facing. Talking to your clinician or a therapist can help you work through these feelings and find ways to stay motivated.
Create a Routine.
Establishing a consistent routine can help build motivation over time. Start slowly and gradually increase the difficulty of tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
My blog"Put some Routine into your rehab" covers the role that routine played in my rehab.
Celebrate Small Wins.
Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Recognizing your achievements can boost your confidence and motivation.
Remember….
it's normal to have ups and downs during your rehab process. Be kind to yourself and take things one step at a time. Be kind to yourself and take things one step at a time.
I did.......And it is working, nine years on.
My thought for today.
