Comparison Is The Thief of Joy!
Neuro Linguistic programming coaching is what makes it possible to develop strategies to overcome these stroke challenges.
There’s no way around it; stroke recovery is hard. Unlike purely musculoskeletal injuries like a broken bone, neurological injuries involve complex systems that can take much longer to heal. So, today’s email is a gentle reminder that stroke recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
Why Neurological Recovery Takes Time
When a bone breaks, the healing process is pretty predictable. Typically, bones realign, and new bone tissue forms within weeks or months. However, neurological injuries involve the brain, a far more complex organ. After a stroke, neuroplastic changes start in the brain.
This process involves re-routing signals, forming new connections, and sometimes even utilizing different parts of the brain to perform functions that were handled by the areas affected by the stroke. This can take a long time.
Comparison Is The Thief of Joy
Healing after a stroke is complex. It depends on the type of stroke someone has, the severity of the stroke, where in the brain it happened, how quickly someone got care after the stroke, and access to rehabilitation. In addition, because the brain’s healing process is intricate and individualized, recovery timelines can vary greatly from person to person.
It’s one of the reasons I recommend not comparing yourself to other stroke survivors. Everyone’s journey is so different that it can make you feel disheartened if someone is a lot further along in their journey. Even though it can be tough, try to acknowledge each of your wins without comparing them to others’.
Sustaining Motivation Over Time
Feeling frustrated, impatient, or discouraged when progress is slow is natural. Understanding that recovery takes time can help adjust your expectations. Finding ways to keep up your motivation or follow through with good rehab habits is really important! Here are a few strategies:
Realistic Goals: Set long term goals that let you shoot for the moon, but also set some more achievable short term goals. Each time you meet one of those goals will give you a boost of pride and confidence.
Celebrate The Small Things: If you notice your thumb start to open more after being immobile, celebrate! While it may seem small to others, this is HUGE progress and deserves to be recognized.
Stay Connected: Get involved in stroke support groups and connect with others on a similar journey. Sharing experiences can provide emotional support and valuable recovery tips.
Acknowledge Now Without Giving Up Hope
Acknowledge the things you’re accomplishing now. This doesn’t mean giving up hope for future improvement. It means trying to celebrate the good things happening now to help you stay motivated for those future goals 😊
Take care,
Elyse
