Season’s Healings

Published on November 22, 2023

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By Deb Shaw

Therapy isn’t something I start and stop — I now think of everything I do in life as helping me heal and improve. Rehabilitation is a journey after a stroke.

With the holidays quickly approaching, I recommend celebrating with some “life therapy” that could help strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Why not offer a hand with holiday preparations? Being helpful is engaging, enjoyable — and it’s therapy. Show family and friends your abilities with movement, creativity and joy in participating in the holiday activities. It will bring smiles to everyone!

Daily activities are a key to healing. Don’t sit on the sidelines during the festivities.

Knowing that everyone is in various stages of recovery, here are a few other “life therapies” to consider this season:

  • Hand-write seasonal cards for finger/hand exercise.
  • Hang and place decorations for flexibility, reaching and balance.
  • Practice wrapping gifts with paper, tape and ribbon. (I always struggle with the scissors, cutting straight and keeping the tape from getting balled up.)
  • Hum or whistle your favorite tunes throughout the season. This is great for feeling good and can help with aphasia.
  • Make someone’s day by calling rather than texting. Your voice brings smiles!
  • Create a day of memories — take pictures of all your favorite things around the house, outside with friends, favorite stores, maybe a local market, then reminisce at the end of the day. Smile and laugh! This is a great ending to the year and a new beginning for 2024.

    • Also, if you have pets, be involved with them. (I have two wire-haired fox terriers, Harlow and Ashford. They keep my home therapy ongoing and ever-changing with their excitement for life.) Or consider going to a local animal shelter to share your love by visiting a few lonely dogs and cats. They will love your attention, and you get to leave with a joyful heart.

    Therapy is in life all around us. It lifts our spirits and makes us want more out of life.

    Be a light to someone today. You never know when someone’s watching and needs a lift in spirit to embrace their challenges. 

    Here’s hoping some of these suggestions will inspire you and bring fun and cheer to your festivities. I wish you and those important in your life a special and memorable season.

    Deb Shaw, a three-time ischemic stroke survivor, was named the American Stroke Association’s 2022 Survivor Hero as part of the Stroke Hero Awards. You can learn more about her story here.

    HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.

    For more information on this health topic, visit stroke.org.

    Would you like help dealing with heart or stroke conditions -- either yours or someone else’s? Join us in the AHA’s Support Network! We are an online community of patients, survivors and caregivers where you can share your experience while getting encouragement, hope and informational resources from others who have been there. Membership is free and the benefits can be priceless. Register today.

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