Your brain has to work hard to process the sights, smells, sounds, and sensations in the world around you. The way the different parts of your brain work together to process and recall information is known as cognition. When one part of your brain is damaged, it can make it more difficult for your brain to understand, remember, and organize your thoughts.
If you’re having difficulty with cognition, you’re not alone. According to CNN Health, about 60% of stroke survivors experience a change in their thinking or memory. Luckily, there are plenty of brain exercises for stroke recovery that can help you retrain your brain. Best of all, most of the exercises are a lot of fun!
Below, we’ll share 5 post-stroke brain exercises to help the parts of your brain work together again. Continue reading to learn how you can improve your memory and cognition while having a good time with family and friends.
1. Play a Game
Did you know that playing games, such as board games, uses cognitive skills like organization, memory, and reasoning? That’s why so many of the best brain exercises after stroke involve play! Games don’t need to be complex to be effective for stretching these crucial cognitive muscles, either. Consider playing a round of Candy Land with a grandchild, or a quick game of Scrabble with a friend.
If you’d prefer something more active, memory games are another playful way to exercise your brain. Consider getting your hands on a memory game like Simon or Bop It, which also stretch physical muscles. If you find coordination challenging, a matching card game, domino matching game, or puzzle can provide similar benefits.
There are also many games that you can play on a smartphone or tablet, some of which were created to help with cognitive decline. Even popular daily puzzles, such as Wordle, can stretch mental muscles. Stroke care professionals are eagerly awaiting further research on the long-term effects of this technology.
2. Make Arts and Crafts
It takes a great deal of focus and concentration to follow instructions, sequence tasks, and create an arts and crafts project. That’s why some of the best stroke recovery exercises for your brain fall involve art. You’ll slowly build stamina and focus while using analytical skills. After all, most art involves active problem-solving and decision-making, which can keep a brain busy!
Crafty activities to consider might include:
- Drawing and coloring
- Collage
- Painting with watercolors
- Store-bought arts and crafts kits
- Knitting and crochet
As a bonus, art can aid with stress relief, which can help stroke recovery go smoother.
3. Play or Listen to Music
A study from the National Institute on Aging links the arts to successful stroke recovery. They found that using the arts, including music, boosted both memory and self-esteem. Some scientists believe that music can help the brain become more adaptable in the face of mental challenges.
The American Heart Association also advocates for the use of music and music therapies in stroke recovery. They recognize that many stroke survivors with speech difficulty can still sing. Stroke researcher Pablo Ripollés advocates for daily music engagement during recovery. Listening to music, dancing, and playing instruments can all play a role.
4. Solve a Brain Teaser
These puzzles are effective for many of the same reasons that games are. They require concentration, active problem-solving, reasoning, and memory. That’s what makes them excellent brain stroke recovery exercises.
5. Follow a Recipe
Cooking and baking require concentration, sequencing, measuring, and focus. Choose simple recipes with a limited number of steps. This social activity can bring people together during recovery.
As a bonus, cooking your own meals and treats is also a way to boost your nutrition. Healthy recipes can help address dietary stroke risk factors. Plus, mixing, stirring, and cutting can help rebuild coordination in the hands and fingers.
If you’re looking for more ways to boost your cognition, consider NexStride. NexStride is a science-backed device that can aid in improving your mobility following a stroke. It uses sound and light cues to help keep you moving forward. It’s an exciting new tool that can help you regain independence.
Learn more about NexStride and start retraining your brain.
