Tips on stroke recovery

In my last post, I talked about how I trained myself to move my paralyzed arm by putting all of my focus on moving it. This shows that our determination and willingness is the key to recovery and it also proves the fact that though some neurons in the brain are damaged after surgery it doesn't mean that the communications between the neural networks have stopped, at times the neurons will still transmit messages between one another despite being damaged. This is because the science of neuroplasticity is a fact. There are billions of unused neurons in the brain that we rarely use, its these neurons that will act as a substitute to replace the damaged cells. Speeding up the process of neuroplasticity is easily done with constant stimulation and good habits. Below are some of the things that would speed up neuroplasticity:

1. Healthy diet: the saying you are what you eat rings true to this one as the human brain can only function at its full capacity when it gets its required nutrients such as omega fatty acids which are found in fish oil or krill oil. Iron is also essential oxidative metabolism which is needed for the growth of neurotransmitters. Protein should also be consumed as it is needed for further growth of brain tissue and muscular growth to prevent muscular atrophy from progressing especially after being immobile from an induced coma.
2. engage in reading: When we read books, the main parts of the brain that are active are the occipital lobe (processing sight) and the hippocampus ( memory storage & language interpretation) constant reading helps these parts of the brain to remain active and it will eventually trigger neurogenesis, the brains ability to grow new neurons, especially in the hippocampus as its the only part of the brain with a fast rate of neurogenesis. 
3. Force yourself to move: if you're paralyzed on one side, it is absolutely essential that you push yourself to move. forcing yourself will help stimulate the neurons in your brain to form a new connection. Once these connections form they can be permanent and maintain a nearly normal movement. 
4. Learn to talk slowly: This advice is given to those with facial paralysis, which gives them a slurred speech. Slurring can be prevented by always remembering to take a deep enough breath to push the diaphragm downwards, which allows air to move freely into the vocal chords that help us produce a clear voice when we talk. The other thing to remember is to move the jaw muscles as wide as possible to pronounce things clearly. 
5. Talk with other patients and hospital staff:  Sometimes socializing helps our recovery by keeping us occupied and distracted from our problems.
6. Stroll around the hospital: being inside the hospital can be boring so moving around your ward can be a refreshing thing to do and you need to expose yourself to sunshine to increase vitamin D in your body.
7. Learn about the brain: Sometimes getting to know about your brain or what happens to it gives you a better idea on how to take care of yourself and have better questions that you can prepare to ask your surgeons, doctors or oncologist.

Though the points above are my ways of recovering after a brain injury. each and every person will have their own ways of recovering themselves. So to each his own, be creative with your recovery and learn to occupy yourself as best you can.