Hello everyone! For this week’s Tips and Tricks Tuesday, we’re diving deep into three vital topics: managing your time, combatting fatigue, and maintaining a routine post-stroke. These three aspects have been integral in my journey, and I hope they’ll benefit you too!

Time Management:

We often feel the need to tackle all our tasks at once, but remember, prioritisation is key. Take a moment at the start of your day or the week to decide which tasks need immediate attention and which can wait. Implementing tools like calendars or planning apps can help organise your tasks, appointments, and important deadlines. But remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about focusing on what matters most to you. Equally crucial in managing your time is scheduling in periods of rest. Make sure to balance your tasks with periods of relaxation to prevent exhaustion and maintain your well-being.

Fatigue:

Post-stroke fatigue is a common yet often overlooked aspect of recovery. Recognising your personal signs of fatigue and giving your body the rest it needs is essential. It’s also vital to remember that physical activity can aid in managing fatigue. Regular, gentle exercises, as your healthcare provider advises, can increase your energy levels and contribute to your recovery. Sleep, too, plays a pivotal role in managing fatigue. Establishing good sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful sleep environment, can dramatically impact your energy levels and overall health.

Routine:

Having a routine provides a sense of normalcy and control in a world that may seem upside down post-stroke. It structures your day, brings predictability, and can help improve your skills over time. Notably, a consistent routine can be a lifesaver regarding memory and managing medication schedules. By taking medications at the same time each day and incorporating them into your daily habits, like having breakfast or brushing your teeth, you’re more likely to remember them. You can also use visual reminders or tech tools, like smartphone alarms, to help manage your tasks and medications.

Remember, your recovery journey is uniquely yours, and these tips may not work for everyone. Take what resonates with you and leave what doesn’t. The goal is to discover what helps you best navigate your path to recovery.

Linked below are things to help track the things I’ve talked about here.

Things to help

• Fitbit:
  • A tracker that shows me several metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, step count, and my sleep, all metrics of which are good for recovering from fatigue and giving a sense of routine.
• Google Calendar:
  • It is good for keeping track of what you are doing throughout the weeks and months and also gives you the option of Labeling your tasks which is great for prioritising tasks. plus its easy to link them with your devices ((phones, tablets, smartwatches and computers)
• Notepad/ Journal: Link Here
  • It’s good to write things down if I have 20 things to do and need help with either prioritising them or as motivation to get the things done its a great way to keep yourself motivated.
• Daylio: linked Here
  • It tracks your mood throughout the day and lets you set specific goals and targets for yourself over the days, weeks and months and a bunch of different things that allow you to make changes and notice how different things going on in your life can impact you in your daily life.

Stay tuned for the next Tips and Tricks Tuesday, where we’ll delve into more aspects of life post-stroke. Until then, take care and remember: each day is a step towards progress, no matter how small.