My Brain
Peter Turkeltaub, M.D. and Ph.D., said during NAA Ask the EXPERT: The Role of Neurologists in Aphasia, that there are three lifestyles affecting the brain for people with Aphasia: Social, Physical, and Mental Activities.
In my case, my brain hurts on the right side of my head every day. My brain becomes extremely tense and anxious. And it can take hours to calm down.
Particularly for me, it is hard to meet with banks, call Amazon, deal with doctors, and write. Believe it or not, I feel anxious right now, and all I did was write two paragraphs!
Here are coping mechanisms that have worked for me.
Spoon Theory (mental activity)
Spoon Theory is a metaphor used to explain and understand limited energy. I was very tired trying to rebuild my language, reading, and writing.
To learn about “Neuro Fatigue After Stroke & Spoon Theory,” watch it on YouTube.
Walking (physical activity)
If my right brain feels tense, I walk for 30 minutes. I calm down every time.
Mindfulness (mental activity)
Close your eyes.
Breathe in deeply.
Exhale, slowly.
Focus on your breath.
Do it again.
I found mindfulness very valuable in stroke and aphasia recovery. It helped with anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue
I use mindfulness every night before I settle down to sleep (and again if I wake up in the middle of the night). After 15 minutes, my mind relaxes, and it helps me fall asleep. Building a mindfulness practice takes time and consistency. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
Popular free apps include Insight Timer, UCLA Mindful app, and the Smiling Mind app.
Look at Birds (mental activity)
We have a lot of birds in our backyard. Dozens of Hummingbirds, Baltimore Orioles, and Woodpeckers. According to experts, birds are relaxing. They trigger evolutionary responses that promote a sense of safety and peace. They reduce stress and anxiety.
Get more information: Birding your Way to Well Being
Music (social mental activity)
Music can be a powerful tool for people with aphasia. It can help improve speech production, language skills, and even create new neural pathways for communication. One theory is that music is processed in the right hemisphere of the brain. It also creates new neural pathways for language. In addition, it is ripe with repetitions and patterns … two things that aid memory.
Learn more about music and aphasia at the National Aphasia Association, Using Music To Treat Aphasia.
Ukulele
I play Ukulele … some would say badly. Music calms the right side of my brain. I gather there is science supporting it, and the left side of the brain rests. When I play the ukulele, I feel calm all the time.
There are hundreds of Ukulele Clubs in the U.S. and worldwide. Look online or try MeetUp.com
I go to a Ukulele and Guitar Club every Monday at the Madison, Connecticut E.C. Scranton Memorial Library. To get some information, email phyllisnolanct@aol.com.
Aphasia Choir with Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
The Aphasia Choir is a free community choir and music group for individuals living with aphasia. No singing experience is necessary to join! The group sings old favorites and new songs. You can sing along, harmonize, move, dance, or simply enjoy the music. The group meets every Tuesday. Members can join via Zoom or in person. To learn more, contact Erin Blaze at 312.238.8186.