Leisure & Participation

Introduction

The benefits of leisure are numerous. Leisure benefits everyone’s well-being and quality of life. Leisure also helps to improve physical and mental health, along with personal growth.

Patient/Family Information

Authors: Johanne Desrosiers, PhD OT, Nicol Korner-Bitensky, PhD OT; Hélène Carbonneau, PhD recreologist

Myths about leisure activities

• Leisure is impossible after having a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
  It is possible to resume your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  after having a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. If needed, many adaptations exist to help you to return to your activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  . It is important to talk to your rehabilitation health professional about your desires and needs. You can also consult our Assistive DevicesAssistive devices are any piece of equipment that you use to make your daily activities easier to perform.
  module for more information
• Leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  require a lot of skill.
  Leisure is much more than just the activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  that we do in our spare time. Leisure is first and foremost an enjoyable part of life. After a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. it is possible for you to do leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  , even if you have some problems that were caused by the strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. Most activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  can be done without any previous skills, or involve skills that are easy to learn.
• Healthy people are not interested in participating in activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  with individuals who have had a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
  Some of the reservations you may notice in people are related to a lack of knowledge about strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. and about how to interact with someone who has had a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. It is important to have a conversation with relatives and friends about leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  and to inform them of what you can and cannot do. Because of your strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. they may also be experiencing a loss, and will need to adapt and learn new ways of interacting and participating in activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  with you.
• It’s better to stay home…
  It is better to find some continuity whenever possible with what you used to do before the strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain., whether in your daily habits or in leisure. For example, if you decide to stay home and play cards with your neighbor, while you normally used to go to your community center – you’ll lose out on some of the social contacts that are important to maintain following a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. So, it is better to try to find ways of getting to the community center so that you can maintain your social activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  , instead of just staying home.

Why do leisure activities?

The benefits of leisure are numerous. Leisure benefits everyone’s well-being and quality of life. Leisure also helps to improve physical and mental health, along with personal growth.

Can I participate in my leisure activities after a stroke?

Leisure is a right for everyone. It is always possible to experience pleasant and positive moments in life, regardless of what state of health you are in. While the types of leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
you did before the strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. might be different from those you do after your strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain., the feeling of wellbeing that you get from leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
should remain the same.

Can I participate in the same leisure activities as before?

Sometimes it can be difficult to resume the exact same activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
after a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. that you enjoyed before the strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. You may have to accept the fact that you will need to modify your way of doing your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
so that they are easier and less demanding to engage in. As mentioned above, some assistive devicesAssistive devices are any piece of equipment that you use to make your daily activities easier to perform.
can help you achieve this.

Can I take the plane to travel?

Most people can take the plane after a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. However, you may want to check if there are any specifities with your travel insurance company. The following link is an an article from England and Wales entitled “Flying after a stroke” which includes information on: Airport Assistance, first hand experiences from strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. survivors, how Airports could improve their services and much more!

Who can help me resume my leisure activities?

Your family and friends are an excellent source of support. Sometimes people don’t know exactly how to help when faced with a loved one who has had a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. It is possible that your family and friends are waiting for a sign from you before they offer support. If you ask them for help, you may be pleasantly surprised. It is very possible that your family and friends are feeling overwhelmed by the situation and have difficulty supporting you in your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
. If that is the case, there are various professionals who can help. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, and psychologists are all able to help you resume your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
. Also, some centers offer the services of recreational therapists. Don’t hesitate to seek out these resources.

Are there any risks to participating in leisure activities?

There are no additional risks that someone who has had a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. faces in participating in leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
– as long as these activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
are practiced in a manner that fits the person’s abilities. Consult your physician or rehabilitation healthcare professional for the best advice on how to participate in leisure safely, and with little effort.

*Family member/friend: It is important that you allow the person who has had a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. the freedom to pursue pleasant activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
without being overly protective.

How to find pleasant and satisfying leisure activities in my life?

This section will offer you a structured way of finding an enjoyable leisure activity that suits your lifestyle. This process has been part of an educational program for the past 15 years for people who have lost their independence. It can be a helpful way to reflect about leisure choices. It is useful for the person who has had a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain., family and friends, and for clinicians working in rehabilitation.

Steps to follow to help find pleasing leisure activities:

• Step 1: Think about the role of leisure in your life
  First, you have to ask yourself about the value of leisure for you. You have to believe that it is important for you. Your family and friends can help you find new pleasure in leisure. You have to think about what brought you pleasure and fun before the strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain., and then try to find activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  you can do to get the same feelings. By clicking here you can find a questionnaire that may help you reflect on your feelings with respect to leisure. (Link coming soon waiting for author approval)
• Step 2: Evaluate how much satisfaction you get from your current leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  
  Assess the satisfaction that you get from your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  and from how you spend your free time (Link coming soon waiting for author approval)
• Step 3: Identify your current activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  and interests in leisure
  Now it is time to reflect on the things you like to do during your free time. Think about what activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  are pleasant for you – from things as simple as watering your plants to more structured activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  like golf. Leisure consists of both small and big activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  . The important thing is the pleasure that these activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  give you. Think about your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  – more specifically about:
  • The activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
    that you enjoy
  • The activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
    that you do
  • The activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
    you used to do but stopped doing and would like to resume
  • The pleasure you derive from each of the activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
    

  After you have reflected on these things, you will be better prepared to decide on which activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  you want to work on resuming.

• Step 4: Think about what you expect from the leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  
  Once your interests in leisure are clearer, it is helpful to understand the reasons why you prefer to do one activity over another. Some people like the socializing part most of all, while others like to push themselves to experience new challenges. If you have trouble sorting out the reason why you like certain activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  more than others, try completing this quick test. (Link coming soon waiting for author approval).
• Step 5: Identify where, how and with whom you will spend your leisure time
  This step helps you think about where, with whom, when, and how you participate in activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  . This step is useful for identifying the obstacles you may face during your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  . The grid provided here (link coming soon waiting for author approval) will guide you through steps 5 through 8.
• Step 6: Think of some of the obstacles you might face when engaging in your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  
  You have to think about concerns you have about resuming your favorite leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  and which of these are real and which are more likely based on misconceptions.
• Step 7: Look for different ways to accomplish your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  
  Sometimes you have to think about doing your leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  differently. You may need special equipment or assistive devicesAssistive devices are any piece of equipment that you use to make your daily activities easier to perform.
  , or you may need to find a more suitable place in which to do your preferred activity – one that is adapted for your needs. For example, you may enjoy swimming but may need to find a pool that has special safety equipment and adaptations for someone who has a disability. Therefore, you might change the location of your activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  for more suitably adapted locations. It is a good idea to consult with a rehabilitation professional once you reach this step. Also, you may want to visit our Assistive DevicesAssistive devices are any piece of equipment that you use to make your daily activities easier to perform.
  module for an example of equipment and adaptations that may make it easier to resume certain activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  .
• Step 8 : Identify alternative activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  
  If you have come to the realization that you really cannot return to your previous leisure activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  , it is important to consider some alternative activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  that can bring you the same pleasure. Here is an example: Three people enjoyed walking in the forest and in nature in general. They no longer had the physical ability to take walks in the forest after the strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. The first person enjoyed the relaxation aspect of nature- so he chose to listen to relaxation tapes with sounds of nature. This new leisure satisfied him because he was still able to relax while enjoying some aspects of nature. The second person chose to paint drawings of nature to satisfy his interest of reflecting on nature. The third individual enjoyed the sightseeing and the fauna. So she decided to build a terrace in her backyard, where she could eat while enjoying the flowers and the trees. All three found alternatives to satisfy their interests in nature, but in different and unique ways.
  The important thing is not the activity, but what it brings to you!
• Step 9 : Learn to integrate your activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  into daily life
  Once you have your leisure interests set, you now need to consider the knowledge and skills required to make these activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  part of your life. This means that you may have to learn some new skills. Here again, seeking the help of a rehabilitation professional may be valuable. Family and friends are also an important source of support and help at this point. They can help you to focus on enjoying these activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
  rather than on doing them correctly.
• Step 10: Persevere!
  Even if the obstacles seem huge, keep going! You will congratulate yourself later. The support of family and friends is really important at this point.