While some neuroplasticity may automatically happen after your stroke, you can potentially heal faster and recover more by doing tasks and treatments that make neuroplasticity more likely to happen. Neuroplasticity peaks during the first few months after a stroke. If you exercise your brain, recovery is possible after this time, and progress may be slower or less noticeable.

Changes in the brain happen in response to experiences or engaging in activities. You can help your brain recover by repeating meaningful activities and choosing to do activities that are not too hard or easy but “just right” in terms of difficulty level.

For example, you might lift your affected leg only using your leg muscles when placing your leg in your pants. You may also brush your hair or reach for objects with your affected arm. It can be safer to avoid handling any hot or sharp objects while your affected arm is still relearning tasks.

Enriched environments can also help the brain heal after a stroke. These include music, sunlight, mindfulness, medication, social interactions, or other elements that help awaken the senses and activate the brain.

Other rehabilitation techniques, medical treatments, and medicines continue to be researched to help the brain heal. If you are interested in these treatments, speak with your care team. Everyone is unique, and not all treatments are suitable for every person.

You may feel fatigued and need to rest during these activities and treatments. Sometimes, the recovery process can be frustrating when you can’t move or speak as you want to, so you might need to take a break or do an easier activity.

Each person’s recovery is unique. Some people may recover more, while others recover less. You can improve your chances of recovery by repetitively doing meaningful tasks and participating in rehabilitation. We encourage you to start rehabilitation early after your stroke to take advantage of neuroplasticity at its peak.