How do i motivate my 20 yr old daughter to make goals and work on them after her stroke 2 months back?

Hi Meenu,

Thanks for contacting Stroke Foundation.

I’m sorry to hear of your daughter’s stroke, and wish her all the best on her recovery journey.

It may be useful for your daughter to be linked in with an exercise physiologist (EP). EP’s are great at motivating their clients to start and continue exercising, and forming an individual plan that’s focused on goals.

Your daughter may be able to access Medicare rebates to see an EP if her GP puts her on a Chronic Disease Management Plan. You can find an EP locally through the ESSA website:

https://www.essa.org.au/

One important part of making an exercise program sustainable is making sure that it’s enjoyable. Exercise can be dancing, a gym class, a walk, bike riding, yoga…

In terms of motivation, there a few tips that I could recommend;

1. Set realistic goals (SMART- specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time framed).
2. Trying to do something every day (even if it’s small) to work towards her goals.
3. Get support and call on friends or family who are motivating to help involve her in more exercise and activity.Your daughter might also find it useful to connect with other stroke survivors in your local area through social support groups or additionally has she had a chance to look on EnableMe? (www.enableme.org.au)She might find it beneficial sharing her personal experiences and connecting with people going through similar issues.

1. Practicing self-compassion - the road to recovery can be a rollercoaster, there are likely to be highs and lows.
2. It might be useful to visualise or imagine how she feels after she takes action or does something that makes her feel good. When recovering from stroke it can help to visualise your future self that you’re working towards after stroke.
3. Celebrate small victories to motivate her and keep her going, acknowledging how far she has come.

Additionally, fatigue, low mood and mood changes are extremely common after stroke, this could be effecting her overall recovery and motivation. It could be useful to see a psychologist for some strategies or a rehabilitation team for ongoing support, guidance and motivation.

If you have any further queries what so ever, please don’t hesitate to contact StrokeLine on 1800 787 653.

All the best,

Shari (StrokeLine)