Goal setting can help you to keep focused and track your progress. It's different for everyone. The impact of your stroke is unique to you. You'll have your own reasons for wanting to get active and it's important that you set your own goals.
Set yourself realistic goals
Make it specific and achievable. Rather than, 'I want to get back to normal' you could choose, 'I want to weed the garden'.
...doing functional things every day is as good as going to a gym.
Paul , stroke survivor
Set a date to reach your goal
Make the goal something you can achieve in a few days or weeks. If it's too difficult, or too far off in the future, it's hard to stay motivated.
Break it down into small steps
Think about the small steps you need to take to reach your goal. You could plan to do one step each day. Your first step could be to get to your back door. Another step could be practising using garden tools. Another step could be walking around the garden.
Challenge yourself, but keep things achievable. Taking those smaller steps will help you reach your overall goal in the end.
Tip: You don't have to do it alone. It can help to have support from a professional, family and friends, or other stroke survivors.
Record your progress and celebrate your success
Keep a note of the things you do, and when you reach a goal, celebrate! You can get friends and family involved in doing the steps towards each goal. They can talk with you about your activities, and join in with celebrating your successes.
You can use a notebook to record what you do or an activity tracker linked to a phone or electronic fitness device.
Follow a programme
We've teamed up with the charity A Stroke of Luck, who specialise in exercise-based recovery for stroke survivors, to produce a stroke-specific four-week exercise programme to help you be more active at home.