During the course of my recovery, I have persisted with a dedicated stubbornness. While the physical part of my recovery takes hard work, the ultimate challenge for me has been the cognitive part: reconnecting the dots.
Here are just a few of the things I find helpful. You can modify most activities to meet your unique needs. As each thing is mastered, a new one is added.
Software games: Most board games come in inexpensive software CDs. Games that require the use of both of the sides of your brain are especially challenging. My favorite is a tile game called MahJong. Although I am not playing against other people, I am continually challenged to beat the clock.
Online poker can be found on a number of websites. They each offer something unique and in theory, it doesn't cost any money to play. One of the most beneficial things about playing poker online is that you compete against other people, not a computer.
Card games: Start with simple card games, such as classic solitaire, to two-person card games like cribbage and gin rummy, to group play, which requires the utmost of concentration.
Hand work: Painting and needlework are only two examples. My weakness is colored pencils!
Puzzle books: Word Seek, Fill In, Sudoko, Crosswords, to name just a few. Most of these also come in large print versions.
Television game shows such a Jeopardy, Millionaire, and Wheel of Fortune; any game show that asks questions about topics that are common knowledge are good. Also try watching television that stirs your curiosity, such as the Discovery, Travel, Science and History channels.
Books: If reading is a problem, many good books come out in audio form.
Movies: While there are movies that instruct, don't limit yourself. Fun and entertainment is also an important part of recovery.
What do you like to do to reconnect the dots?
Lin Mouat is the founding editor for The Stroke Scoop e-newsletter. Although she has moved to Camano Island, Washington, we will look forward to her ongoing contributions, thanks to the accessible communication of the Internet!
During the course of my recovery, I have persisted with a dedicated stubbornness. While the physical part of my recovery takes hard work, the ultimate challenge for me has been the cognitive part: reconnecting the dots.