Self-care Basics for Brain Health

Day 7

So what is “self care” and why is important?

I really like this article on self care . www.theodysseyonline.com/5-reasons-why-self-care-is-important

5 Reasons Why Self Care Is Important For Your Health

1. Self care reduces stress levels.

2. Self care prevents people from giving up.

3. Self care aids in maintaining focus and refocusing.

4. Self care aids with the completion of daily Tasks

5. Self care boosts personal happiness.

   
   

I really didn't think I worried about Self care before my stroke. I certainly didn’t make it a priority or schedule it into my daily schedule. I just took care of what I had to and if there was time I would certainly do what I wanted, i.e, read or take a bath. But now, it’s important to me that I plan to take of myself. It’s like the analogy airline attendents use when talking about when the air masks appear. You must put it on yourself before helping others, because if you don’t, then you may not be in good enough shape to help others

But what about Self Care for the brain?...

Recovery after stroke isn't just about therapy or medical appointments. Your brain is working every day to heal and adapt. That means it needs support - just like any other part of the body. Self-care isn't selfish - it's brain fuel.

Why Brain Self-Care Matters

At first, I believed progress would only come from practicing words and physical exercises. I was only focused on getting back to work. I had a hard time believing the visiting nurse who told me that the most important thing for my recovery was rest. But I noticed something surprising over time: the days I slept well, ate nourishing meals, and took breaks and naps were the days speech came easier. My recovery wasn’t just about therapy—it was about how I treated my brain in daily life.

Research backs this up: sleep, nutrition, movement, relaxation, and fatigue management all play a vital role in brain recovery (NINDS on sleep; Stroke Foundation on fatigue; Flint Rehab on managing fatigue).

The Five Basics of Brain Health

1. Sleep 😴

Your brain heals while you sleep. Adequate rest improves memory, language, and mood. Naps are okay too—your brain needs extra downtime during recovery.

2. Nutrition 🥦

Food is brain fuel. A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats supports brain health, while hydration keeps focus sharp. Even a simple glass of water can improve clarity.

3. Movement 🚶

Movement increases blood flow to the brain and lifts mood. This doesn’t have to be a workout—a short walk, stretching, or gentle yoga can make a big difference.

4. Relaxation 🧘

Stress makes communication harder. Tools like deep breathing, meditation, quiet prayer, or calming music create space for the brain to reset and grow.

5. Managing Neuro Fatigue 🧩

This one was especially important for me. After my stroke, my brain would tire quickly from thinking, speaking, or reading. I learned to pace my activities:

• Start with just 5 minutes of a demanding task (like reading or speech practice).

• Take a break with something physical (like stretching) or calming (like meditation).

• Slowly increase the time as endurance improves.

This rhythm helped me progress without burning out.

Gentle Reminder

Your brain is doing big work every single day. By caring for your body—through sleep, food, movement, relaxation, and pacing—you give your brain the best chance to heal. Self-care is not a break from recovery. It is recovery.

✨ Takeaway Tip: Today, pay attention to your energy. Pick one area—sleep, food, movement, relaxation, or pacing—and try one small change. Even a five-minute adjustment can make a big difference.

#blogboost #StrokeRecovery #aphasia #apraxia#BrainHealth

NOTE: I used ChatGPT to help with organization and to make it cohesive. Aphasia can affect speaking, reading and writing. Tools, like chatGPT, can help.

‘