MHME 007: How To Heal My Brain After A Stroke with Bill Gasiamis

Here’s How Bill Got His Brain’s Mojo Back

Bill Gasiamis’s Personal Story of How He Healed His Brain After A Stroke

There’s a famous saying that goes, ‘Health is wealth’. Like going to the bank and making regular deposits- the benefits build up over time.

Easier said than done, though. It is challenging to eat right and stay active if it’s not ingrained in your lifestyle.

But- when you draw down too much- the body and brain can take a hit. 

Sadly for some we wait until a major health event, 1- 2 Kapow! combination and all of sudden you’re on the floor. 

When our health is threatened, our entire life gets affected. I can think of so many unhealthy habits that lead to disabling and fatal consequences. Overwork, excessive drinking, smoking... The list goes on!

Let’s not wait for your system breakdown. Today’s show with Bill Gasiamis is a real memory health warrior story of where it went completely pear-shaped to how he built and sustained brain optimising healthy habits. 

This show is for you if 

• You’re  pushing the red line
• You’re compromising on healthy routines
• Your sleep suffering
• You’re juggling life and feeling more stretched than Elasta-girl 

Stroke, Brain Bleed, Cerebrovascular Accident or CVA - how can you come back from the MASSIVE impact this has on your physical, mental and emotional abilities? 

 

In this episode, Bill Gasiamis shares his own experience with stroke and how his life has taken a turn for the better afterwards. He shares his key healthy habits, coping mechanisms and insightful lessons which were pillars of his recovery and now bedrock of his life.

 

There is a lot we can learn from how Bill Gasiamis got his brain’s mojo back. 

 

• Bill’s unhealthy habits he didn’t know were ruining his life (you might be doing them too!)
• How our beliefs about productivity can cause us to overwork and neglect our health
• How to change your habits and reclaim your brain after recovering from a disease
• Is there a single method to calming and improving your mind?
• The power of your brain to heal itself with the right nudges

 

Today’s podcast will help you address how you perceive health, understand how your habits affect you, and move towards a healthier lifestyle for better brain health.

Stroke survivor or not,  there is a lot here for you to learn from what it means to make massive change and the benefits of it. 

You might just find healing too!

 

Listen To The Podcast Now. 

About Our Guest

Bill Gasiamis is a four-time stroke survivor and founder of Recovery After Stroke. The community aims to help people heal their brains through a systematic process he has made himself. He also authored 7 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Stroke and hosts webinars, coaching seminars and podcast episodes regularly.

Healing the Brain After a Stroke

The Wake-Up Call

• In 2012, Bill found himself overworked and complaining about everything being difficult. It was far from his upbeat and calm demeanour. 
• In February, he experienced his first brain haemorrhage. It was an arteriovenous malformation.
• This incident was Bill’s wake-up call that his health was misaligned and he needed to do something with it.

Perception of Health 

• Before all the stroke attacks, Bill had always thought he was a relatively healthy guy. He would describe himself as driven, motivated and focused. 
• Looking back, Bill says he only thought he was healthy back then. In reality, his habits consist of a few healthy habits and a lot of unhealthy ones. He had vices like excessive drinking and smoking and some other bad habits like lack of sleep and lack of de-stressing activities.

On Being Overworked 

• A huge reason why Bill wasn’t able to track his health is that he did not have enough time for it.
• Not acknowledging unhealthy habits and being busy are a deadly loop you are putting your body in. 
• Becoming busy can cause you to overlook small habits which can affect your health quickly. 

Cultural and Historical Implications of Becoming Overworked

• Bill’s parents came from a poverty-stricken place after World War 2. Hence, when they moved to Australia, working many hours to bring in more income became their mindset. 
• We can inherit beliefs and routines from our parents, such as how they view their work or how they produce outcomes. 
• It’s important to realise that as humans, we need time off from work and our everyday tasks. 

How Habits Contribute to Health

• Many of us may already be overworked and into unhealthy habits now. 
• Long-term habits are hard to change, and it can affect our health in the long run. 

The Fear of Losing our Brain

• Experiencing a stroke makes one fear for his/her cognitive skills. 
• There is fear that the brain capacity will no longer be at par with how it used to be before the stroke.

Reclaiming Your Brain through Healthy Habits

• Reclaiming your brain after a stroke involves acknowledging that they may be some parts you cannot control. Instead, focus on areas which you can control, heal, and improve on.
• Bill started by stopping all his bad habits like smoking and drinking. Additionally, he also avoided consuming inflammatory foods.

Towards A Better Brain

• Healthier habits allowed Bill’s memories to come back and his brain to slowly heal.
• Starting and sticking to healthy habits doesn’t have a deadline. It will still benefit us at any time of our lives. 

Connection Between Mind and Body

• The body’s wellbeing affects the resilience of the mind and the heart.
• A well-balanced body also balances our emotional health and hones our decision-making skills.
• Ultimately, this will allow you to know which things you have control and no control over.

Resilience Despite Risks

• Be okay with the fact that there are some things you have no control of. Do not linger on these and focus your attention on things you can control.
• It is through difficult times that we thrive and grow. From this, our brain and body will benefit greatly.

Steps to Brain Health

• Build an effective support system.
• Get proper nutrition.
• Quiet the mind. Meditate, relax and always get quality sleep. 
• Be grateful. No matter how hard it is, try to be thankful and give back to others.

Finding Your Own Path to Brain Health

• There is no single method to quieting the mind and making it better. For some, meditation may work; for others, it may not.
• It’s all about connecting with yourself and figuring out what works best for you. There are several pathways to help the mind.
• Be curious and explore which one may work.

Effects on Personal Relationship

• Stroke can cause changes in a person’s personality. It may suddenly make them more aggressive, thus resulting in more fights. 
• It’s helpful to remain honest, patient, and open to each other at all times. 
• For Bill, stroke has made his wife and him better at communicating and giving people space.
• Moments like this can also be a learning opportunity for our partners to grow as well.

Dealing with Your Identity

• Recovering from a life-changing event such as a stroke can make a person develop a ‘growth mindset’—that is, wanting to take on several opportunities and discovering new paths. 
• Do not force the people in your life to move in the direction you want for yourself. 
• Surround yourself with people who will support the changes in your life.

 

You can reach out to Bill Gasiamis on his website, www.recoveryafterstroke.com, where you can download his podcast episodes and his upcoming 10-step stroke recovery programme. He also has an Instagram account, @recoveryafterstroke, where you can send him a message about your concerns.

Enjoy The Podcast?  

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Of course you can reach me, David Norris, here on the website and connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter.

To better memory health, 

David

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Disclaimer: The purpose of Memory Health Made Easy Podcast is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a doctor or qualified professional. This podcast is provided on understanding that it does not constitute medical or personal professional advice or services. Instead, we would encourage you to discuss your options with a health care provider who specializes in your particular needs.