Consider the social aspects of diet.
One of the most difficult aspects of recovering from a stroke can be re-emergence into social situations. While going to a dinner party or out for lunch with your family might have been a simple thing before, when you’re having difficulty with communication and movement, it can become much more of an ordeal. If you aren’t comfortable with your abilities to see your plate, feed yourself, or even just place an order from the menu, what should be a fun evening can become stressful and embarrassing.
This doesn't mean you have to stay in your house all the time, though! Go slowly. Ask the other guests to choose a place with a small dining area—or at least a secluded area—so you aren’t overwhelmed by the amount of people. Opt for places with handicap-accessible entries if you need them, and go during less busy times so there isn’t so much noise and crowd. Additionally, choose your seating to minimize distractions and maximize comforts.
If it isn’t a restaurant you’re familiar with, you can often look at dishes beforehand (online or on a to-go menu) so that you can take your time reviewing your options and be prepared to order without feeling rushed. If you aren’t comfortable with your speech abilities, the National Stroke Association recommends requesting help from the friends you’re with, bringing picture cards, or a sign that simply reads “I have aphasia.”
Don’t let fear of being in public get the better of you during recovery. Simply being in the presence of other human beings can make you feel better. If you aren’t ready to be out among the general public, it might be worth checking out a stroke support group, which can allow you to get comfortable being around people again—people who understand what you’re going through and where you’re coming from.
Did you know...
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!