Reduce Stress Post Stroke

Written By Jessie Agrimis

Chronic stress:  When stress is constant and your body is in high gear for days or weeks at a time. Chronic stress may lead to high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

As stress manifests, it can slow your brain's recovery from a stroke. (strokeOT.org)

Stress can be triggered by many challenges you are now facing post-stroke. Long-term activation of the body's stress response system may put you at risk for health troubles like:

  • digestive problems

  • anxiety

  • headaches

  • increasing spasticity

  • depression

  • sleep problems

  • weight gain

  • memory and concentration issues

  • high blood pressure

  • Pain

Negative psychological health/mental health is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke and can lead to secondary conditions such as:

  • Depression

  • Chronic stress

  • Anxiety

  • Anger

  • Pessimism

  • Dissatisfaction with life

Various relaxation techniques are found to significantly reduce stress levels: 

  • Deep Breathing: Breathing exercises such as Box breathing and Pursed lip breathing are known to reduce stress, decrease heart rate. (See image below)

  • Mental Imagery Visualization: Mentally picture a calming, comfortable and safe environment. Think about all senses (touch, smell, sound, sight, taste). This is known to mentally and physically relax the body. 

  • Music: Listening to calming music or sounds reduces stress levels. 

  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation Meditation: Mentally picture your body relaxing one body part at a time, starting from the toes and slowly moving up to the head. 

  • Open Communication: Talk therapy can be very beneficial in reducing stress levels, with both professional guidance and casually with loved ones. The Stroke Foundation offers free talk therapy resources. (https://thestrokefoundation.org/)

  • Journaling: Writing down emotions is a beneficial way to reduce anxious feelings. 

  • Yoga/exercise: All forms of physical activity are shown to improve energy levels and improve overall mental health. 

  • Aromatherapy: Different aromas like laventer, chamomile, and cedarwood are known to be a good calming strategy. Can be used with a diffuser, spray, tea, and candle.

Deep Breathing Exercise

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique

Sources: StrokeOT.org, American Stroke Association, Stroke Foundation

Jessie Agrimis
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