Stroke Recovery Foundation has recently rebranded its stroke coaching service to now be named Life Coaching for Stroke Survivors. Our focus is on improving the lives of stroke survivors, and by extension, their caregiver partner(s). There are many aspects which go into our program and one of them is creating your best self to have a constructive ‘New Life’. Kim Thomas, a healthcare blogger has been nice enough to author the following article which provides a nice introduction to this concept.
Every stroke is different, and every survivor family situation is different. Some folks had already retired when they suffered their stroke while others such as myself, who had a stroke at 53, and were not retired, and in my case never will retire. But some of my work life did change because of the stroke. I mention this because some of Kim’s points may not be relevant to everyone while others are. So, with thanks and permission I present Kim’s article for your consideration and thought.
7 Ways to Become the Best Version of Yourself
Kim Thomas
When you feel and look great, your confidence soars, you achieve many goals, and you enjoy your life more. You become what is known as the best version of yourself. If you do not feel like you are at that point in your life, there are several healthy habits you can adopt now to get you on the right path. The more you do, the better you will be physically and mentally, thereby preventing your odds of stroke and other forms of heart disease.
- Eliminate Job Stress
You probably spend at least 40 hours a week at work, so if your job is stressing you out, look for proactive ways to eliminate the stressors. For example, perhaps you need to be more organized, put boundaries around the time you spend on emails or try to reach a compromise you have with a disagreeable coworker. Resolve as many issues as you can and watch your anxiety level go down.
- Consider a Career Change
It’s time to make a career change if your job is stressful or doesn’t challenge you anymore. You would be surprised how taking steps to make the change will increase your mental health. If you need additional education to pursue a new career, check out accredited online schools with affordable tuition rates. Online degree programs give you the flexibility to earn a master’s degree, work full time and care for your family. Consider a degree that will increase your skill set in several areas, like an MBA program that teaches business finance, employee management, data science, marketing and economics.
- Exercise Regularly
Getting regular exercise makes an enormous difference in how you feel and improves your heart health. Personal trainers advise that exercising in the morning gives you positive benefits for the rest of your day. That makes it worth setting your alarm a half-hour earlier to get in a morning run or walk. Plus, you will like the look of your toned body too.
- Eat Healthy Foods
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a healthy diet of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Even if you aren’t much of a cook, you are pressed for time or you prefer takeout or restaurant meals, there are healthy options you can choose from.
- Challenge Yourself
To keep your mind sharp, challenge yourself to grow as a person and stretch your limits. Study a foreign language, pick up a different hobby, learn a new game or volunteer for an enthusiastic cause.
- Embrace Gratitude
Sometimes you can become so focused on what is wrong in your life that you lose sight of the good things. Learning to embrace gratitude helps you acknowledge all the positive things you’ve experienced or achieved. One way to do this is to purchase a pretty journal and write down things you are grateful for at the end of the day.
- Exclude Toxic People
It is time to let go of any self-centered, emotionally immature, and constantly negative friends in your circle. These toxic relationships pull you down and keep you from enjoying life. It is best to make a clean break and spend time with your emotionally healthy friends instead. If that is not possible, set boundaries on the relationship and limit your time with that person.
Making habits out of these seven steps sets you on the path to being the best version of yourself. They will keep you looking and feeling great as you take on new challenges in your life.
All the above strategies will improve your physical and mental health, and in turn will go a long way in helping you recover from or prevent stroke. However, if you are currently suffering from heart disease or at risk of the illness, working with a stroke coach will significantly increase your odds of prevention. Learn more at the Stroke Recovery Foundation’s website, or contact us for additional resources or to start working with a coach.
I hope that you have gotten a few things to think about from Kim’s article. Please contact me with your thoughts at Bobm@StrokeRF.org.
