Keeping moving and exercise in general is really important for maintaining good physical and emotional health, especially after stroke.
Stroke survivors tell us they are worried about coping with fatigue or having another stroke while being active. Physical activity can actually help with fatigue and even help to reduce your risk of another stroke.
Here are a few of the other things being active can do for you.
1) Aid staying healthy
Being active can help you stay healthy and feel good, and it can also reduce your risk of another stroke. Being active can:
- Lower your blood pressure.
- Help you manage diabetes.
- Reduce cholesterol.
- Strengthen your heart and improve your circulation.
- Reduce the risk of a blood clot.
- Help with weight loss.
2) Reduce fatigue
Being active can help with fatigue. You might need to plan in some extra rest time, but moving more can improve your energy levels and help you sleep better. It can improve your fitness and muscle strength, which may also make you feel less tired.
3) Improve independence and recovery
You can gain more independence through being active, because you are moving and using the parts of your body in a new way. You can practise walking, lifting things and using your hands. Repetition helps you get stronger and re-learn skills for everyday tasks like dressing, cooking and travelling.
4) Boost wellbeing and confidence
Moving your body helps your emotional wellbeing. Even a small amount more exercise can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. It can also help build your confidence about yourself if you start to feel good about reaching your goals, trying new things and meeting new people.
5) Decrease pain
Staying active and mobile can help with long-term pain by reducing muscle stiffness and improving wellbeing. Choose an activity that’s safe for you – you may need to check with your physiotherapist or GP to make sure. Try smaller movements in a pain-free range and rest if you need to. It’s common to get sore muscles when you start off with a new exercise, but if it’s a sharp pain or you are worried, stop and check with your fitness instructor, a GP or therapist.