Table of contents:
- Tips for improving brain function after a stroke
- 1. Practicing mindfulness
- 2. Actively moving
- 3. Implement a healthy diet
- 4. Try new fun things
- 5. Get enough sleep
A stroke occurs when blood flow from the heart to the brain is interrupted, either because a blood clot is blocking it or because a blood vessel in the brain bursts so that blood cannot flow to certain parts of the brain. When oxygen-rich blood does not reach the brain, brain cells will begin to die and then suffer permanent brain damage. Brain damage after a stroke can cause a person to experience decreased cognitive abilities (including difficulty speaking, memory loss / difficulty remembering, difficulty thinking, and understanding language) and impaired coordination with other body parts.
However, there are some simple ways you can do every day after a stroke to increase brain work and speed up the recovery process.
Tips for improving brain function after a stroke
1. Practicing mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing in such a way as to really be aware of and live the emotions you are feeling and what you are doing right now. Simply put, mindfulness is self-awareness of the moment in sight.
Mindfulness practice is one of the main keys to avoiding and dealing with anxiety and stress. The state of mindfulness tends to help a person accept the emotional condition or state that is being experienced compared to forcing to change it.
Mindfulness can be practiced by meditating to make the mind calmer and more stable. Apart from meditating, mindfulness can also be trained while doing other activities by focusing or enjoying an activity that is being done. Getting calm is important after a stroke. A calm mind keeps the brain from being overwhelmed to function, as well as preventing an increase in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can slow recovery after a stroke.
2. Actively moving
Doing physical activity or sports after a stroke really helps the body's recovery process and improves thinking skills.
The reason is that by being more active, the heart will more easily circulate oxygenated blood to the brain to perform various cognitive functions. The intake of oxygen to the brain also increases the production of serotonin and endorphins, two hormones needed to keep the mood stable. In addition, regular physical activity can also prevent you from stress.
There is no need to exercise too hard after a stroke. These benefits can be obtained by simply walking actively for 30–45 minutes every day.
3. Implement a healthy diet
A consistent healthy diet is essential for recovery from the damage caused by a stroke. A regular diet is needed to get the digestive tract muscles back in order to return to eating food after experiencing weakness. Adjustments to the type of food are also needed, such as by choosing foods with smooth and dense textures. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest.
In addition, the nutritional content also needs to be considered and try to focus on nutrients that are proven to be good for the brain. The content of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids from seafood-based foods can encourage better brain nerve growth. Omega-3s are also known to be important for maintaining mood and preventing impaired cognitive decline.
If necessary, also take supplements that are beneficial to the brain such as vitamin B and vitamin E. And avoid foods high in salt to keep blood pressure stable and prevent the risk of stroke due to hypertension.
4. Try new fun things
Just like with light exercise, doing activities that you find enjoyable can give your brain a break and release the happy mood hormones serotonin and oxytocin. In addition, doing new things will make the brain work better at producing new nerve cells and keep existing neurons alive and healthy.
5. Get enough sleep
Sleep is important for anyone, especially for people who are recovering from a stroke. Sleep is a time for the brain to rest, flush out the bad plaques that cause disease, reduce stress and process information into long-term memories.
Adequate sleep also ensures that you go through a higher quality REM sleep (dreaming phase). It is in this phase that the brain begins to grow new nerve cells and myelin nerve membranes. For stroke survivors, sleep time is an important time for the body and brain to start the process of healing and forming new cells.
