What can you do?

Discuss the problems you are having with your family and friends. Together you may be able to develop some strategies that will help you.

Allow yourself time for rest and relaxation. Plan your day so you have rest breaks, especially before socialising or doing any jobs. You may need an afternoon nap.

Pace yourself. Do not try to complete a big job all in one go. Try breaking the task into
smaller manageable parts. You may need to get your week’s shopping over three or four different days, or get someone to help you.

Let people know when you are having trouble with something. Allow them to help.

Use a diary, day planner, calendar or note pad to help you remember things. Simply writing down appointments or tasks often helps you to remember.

Photos or pictures can also trigger your memory.

Use other memory aids such as tape recorders, pagers, mobile phones alarms, lists or even notes placed around the house to prompt you to remember important things.

Check your calendar, newspaper or diary to help you remember the day and date.

Reduce the amount of information you have to think about at any one time. For example, turn off the TV or radio and focus on what someone is saying when they speak to you.

You may need to go to a quiet place to focus on reading or learning something new.

Get into a routine. After your stroke, your brain needs time to re-learn activities so it is often good to do the simple things regularly. Live a healthy lifestyle. Your brain works more effectively when you eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and exercise at least three times a week.
Ask your family or friends to remind you about certain things. For example, reminders to look towards your affected side are useful for people with neglect.

Make sure that you have your glasses checked after the stroke if you have problems with eyesight. You may be instructed to wear special glasses, or use computer programs that aim to improve your sight.

Remember, your brain is like any other part of your body; it responds to training, so think about exercising your brain often.

Seek help from your doctor or health professional if you are having difficulties with your thinking or want more information.

For helpful strategies for family members and friends click here.