After falling victim to a stroke, however much of an impact it has had on your life, there are many activities that you can engage in, allowing you to regain your freedom and independence, one step at a time. These can be solitary activities, social activities or even involve being part of a team. They can be active and energetic or take a much slower pace. There really is something for everyone out there!

Social

Many activities can take place in a social centre with the opportunities for chatting, socialising, and laughter takes place alongside the activity itself. Socialising is thought to be important, keeping spirits up, reducing loneliness and keeping you on a positive road to recovery. Learn something new or take up an old hobby you have never had time for before. One can enjoy a real sense of achievement by mastering a small part of a new skill or re-learning an old one lost.

Activities can be relatively sedentary or low impact to allow you to safely engage at your activity level. It is always important to check with your doctor or health provider to see that your chosen activity is safe for you to engage in.

Getting Crafty

Crafting activities have enjoyed a true resurgence in recent years. A good way to try to improve your fine motor skills, learn new skills through repetition of movement and to create with an achievable end goal in mind. Using a little creativity and working on a small scale, crafting is a great way to get back into the swing of doing something.

Whether this is knitting (great for memory, counting, and fine motor skills), making jewellery, quilting, silk painting, glass painting, quilting, sewing, or embroidery, the list is almost endless! These activities are often social too. You could start at home or join a local group. Other low impact activities might be playing a playing board/card games with an opponent, a partner or as part of a team, or learning a musical instrument, one you used to play or something new.

Active Mind

Reading books, creative writing and mind games such as crosswords, Sudoku and many more are also a great way to keep your mind active and stay engaged. Art activities such as painting, drawing, glass and pottery painting or even activities with the grandkids can help you regain your zest for life and recovery.

Photography would combine a love of art and getting out and about to your favourite locations for getting some great shots, or even take up dancing or musical exercise classes.

High Energy

Activities for stroke patients can be more energetic activities too, such as exercise, interactive video games, meditation, yoga or even Tai Chi, which combines smooth, controlled movements and deep meditative breathing.

Other activities for stroke patients could involve meeting up with your friends, joining a local group or course. Repeating activities on a regular basis can help you to learn and build new skills through repetition and is a great way to make new friends.