As you recall, if you’re following my blog during the month of October for the Ultimate Blog Challenge, that Sundays are for positive self talk. I’m using the book 365 Days of Positive Self Talk as a reference.
October 13 “I practice being mindful of my own thoughts by consciously asking myself the question, ‘Why did I just think that thought?’ Practicing being mindful of my thoughts puts me in control of own self-talk, and my positive direction in life.”
— 365 Days of Positive Self-Talk by Shad Helmstetter
Being mindful or present as much as I can doing the day has really helped me in my recovery - with the physical aspects of recovery and especially with mood and mental health.
BEING MINDFUL - PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF RECOVERY
I experience Central Pain Syndrome (CPS) as a result of the stroke or the surgery which I had just before the stroke. (Rotator cuff repair with general anesthesia and a nerve block). I honestly don't know which is responsible but it doesn't really matter.
As part of Occupational Therapy (OT), we used Mirror therapy to reduce allydonia which is one symptom of the CPS. Mirror therapy after stroke is usually used to increase mobility of the affected limb but we used it to fool the brain to reduce the "weird" symptoms. Allydoni causes pain from stimulus that doesn't usually cause any pain. For example, I experience intense pain from using a metal key to lock and unlock a door. I also experience pain from using a metal spoon when mixing food. I also don't always handle cold and hot well.
For the constant numbness that comes from CPS, being mindful of the level of pain makes me know what
For doing everyday activities I still need to think very carefully about what I’m doing, that is to stay absolutely present. If I try to multitask, xxxxx
BEING MINDFUL - MENTAL HEALTH AND MOOD
I struggled with mental health right after the stroke but couldn’t possibly express how I felt fit a very long time due to my language and speech disorders. The only thing I could do was cry. I cried at home, I cried at stores and I especially cried at church.
Acceptance and commitment therapy really helped.
NOTE: RAN OUT OF TIME… I’LL FINISH TOMORROW BUT I WANT TO POST ON THE CORRECT DAY. STAY TURNED FOR THE FINAL DRAFT
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