“The Brainfit for Life course was a turning point in my life.”
[Eight years ago, after Bev joined a class in Pukehohe, she wrote the following.]
“15 years ago I had a minor stroke from which I recovered apart from my memory.
When I heard of the “Brainfit for Life” course I joined in.
The first two weeks were a struggle and my head hurt but I could see the benefits.
I was beginning to recall events and could attend business meetings where I understood the train of conversation.
The big break through for me was the use of my non dominant hand
A light switch went on My head felt different – Yahoo!
My immediate family are encouraging me to have input into our Kiwifruit business meetings and wait for me to contribute. I am still to master the face recognition but have come a long way in healing my neurons.
I visit “Brainfit” web site regularly and have fun playing the games
I am also using the book “7 Day Brain Boost Plan”
Yes it’s an ongoing journey and like most happenings one gets out what one puts in
I recommend following any or all of the above mentioned on your own journey seeking solutions.”
2023 update – Bev. Shares her Brain-boosting Tips
“The Brainfit course was a turning point in my life. I no longer saw me as a victim Even if the GP tells me 9 out of 10 people have a stroke again I sit there and calmly state I am the 1 out of 10 that it will not happen to again.
Must admit short term memory is a challenge but have learnt writing things down helps.
Have learnt to say to people – ‘um had a slight stroke and can you tell me who you are?’
Each day I do some sort of brain gym from the following…
- Jigsaws – both wasgij and ordinary Each appears to utilize different brain cells
- I have adult dot to dot books – started with children’s
- Colouring books – not too detailed Sometimes choosing a colour got a bit much but found an adult colour by number which I use when it’s all a bit much
- During lockdown I decided to master Sudoku Am still on the easy ones and don’t always get finished but a good challenge
- Other puzzles – find a word, crosswords, code cracker, from each day in the NZ Herald
- Haven’t quite managed the maze that appears on Thursdays but just about there
- Drawing and using my non dominate hand – Mmmmm You (Gillian during Brainfit for Life) introduced this in class Good to try but haven’t mastered it yet
- I do have days when I know I need to rest up and indulge myself
- I regularly have acupuncture which keeps my physical body in shape. Tai Chi also helps especially with balance
- When I get frustrated, gardening is good
I do the paper work now for our Kiwifruit farm – it’s becoming more each year as new requirements are put in place. It’s a challenge some days but thanks to you and “Brainfit” I am able to keep a positive outlook and keep moving forward.
Bev B.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Bev. You are an inspiration for all of us. [Gillian Eadie]
If you have more tips to share with our readers, do please comment below ….
I was impressed with your inspiring story, Bev, I’m encouraged to keep on with daily focussed efforts. Thank you.
Bev’s suggestions are very do-able, aren’t they? I’m so glad you found encouragement in the article, Gwen.
I am really inspired by Bev’s success and the way she rests when she needs to but pushes herself other times. I am trying the non dominant hand with some amusing results!. Thank you Bev
These are all tried-and-tested ways of keeping the brain activated. The very best kind to share with others. Keep trying that non-dominant hand strategy ……