5 Things You Should Keep Doing After an AVM (Even When It’s Hard)
- Morgan Bailey
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
Recovering from an AVM is not just about surviving—it’s about finding ways to truly live again. Some days feel like a victory, and others feel like an uphill battle. But no matter where you are in your journey, there are certain things that will always support your healing and overall well-being. Even when it’s tough, here are five things you should keep doing after an AVM.
1️⃣ Keep Moving – Walk, Stretch, or Exercise 🏃♀️
After my stroke, I couldn’t walk. But little by little, with therapy, determination, and yoga, I started regaining movement. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m getting there.
Movement is one of the best things you can do for your recovery. It helps keep your circulation flowing, prevents stiffness, and improves overall mobility. Even if you can’t do intense workouts, small movements—like stretching, chair exercises, or even just wiggling your toes—help keep your body engaged.
If you can, aim for short walks, gentle yoga, or physical therapy exercises. It’s not about speed or intensity; it’s about consistency. Every step, every stretch, and every small movement adds up to progress.
💡 Tip: If walking is challenging, try breaking it up into smaller goals. Even standing up and shifting your weight from one foot to the other is progress. Celebrate each step forward!
2️⃣ Keep Hydrating – Your Brain and Body Need It 💧
Hydration is one of those things that’s easy to overlook but has a huge impact on recovery. Your brain needs water to function properly, and staying hydrated helps prevent headaches, fatigue, and dizziness—things that can already be challenging post-AVM.
Drinking enough water also supports circulation, digestion, and overall energy levels. If you’re on medications, hydration can help reduce side effects like brain fog and sluggishness.
💡 Tip: If plain water feels boring, try adding lemon, cucumber, or electrolyte tablets to make it more enjoyable. Herbal teas and hydrating foods (like watermelon and cucumbers) also count!
3️⃣ Keep Listening to Your Body 🧘♂️
One of the hardest parts of recovery is learning to balance pushing yourself with giving yourself grace. There will be days when you feel strong and capable—and days when exhaustion takes over. And that’s okay.
Listening to your body doesn’t mean giving up on progress; it means recognizing when you need rest so you can come back even stronger. Healing isn’t linear. Some days, your energy will be higher than others. The key is to honor where you are without feeling like you’re failing.
💡 Tip: If you’re feeling drained, don’t push through just because you feel like you "should." Instead, switch to a gentler activity—like meditation, deep breathing, or even a nap. Rest is part of progress.
4️⃣ Keep Challenging Yourself – Small Wins Lead to Big Progress 💪
It’s easy to settle into routines that feel comfortable, especially when recovery is slow. But challenging yourself—whether physically, mentally, or emotionally—helps you keep moving forward.
I can’t do Downward Dog or Pigeon Pose yet, but I’m working toward it. Every time I stretch a little further or try a new movement, I’m pushing past my limits in a healthy way. Small wins matter.
Challenge doesn’t have to mean huge leaps. It can be as simple as:
✔️ Walking a few extra steps than yesterday
✔️ Trying a new stretch or movement
✔️ Practicing mindfulness for a few minutes longer
✔️ Saying “yes” to something outside your comfort zone
💡 Tip: I keep a note in my phone of small victories. Looking back at how far you’ve come can be incredibly motivating, especially on tough days.
5️⃣ Keep Advocating for Yourself – Your Health, Your Voice 🗣️
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that no one understands my recovery journey better than I do. Doctors, therapists, and even loved ones might not fully grasp what you’re going through. That’s why it’s so important to advocate for yourself.
If you feel like your symptoms are being dismissed, speak up. If a treatment isn’t working, ask about other options. If you need support, ask for it. You deserve to be heard, respected, and given the best possible care.
Advocating for yourself also means setting boundaries. Recovery takes energy, and you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. If something isn’t serving your healing, it’s okay to say no.
💡 Tip: Keep a list of questions or concerns for doctor visits. It can help you stay focused and ensure you get the answers you need.
The Takeaway: Healing Is a Journey, Not a Race
Recovering from an AVM isn’t just about surviving—it’s about rebuilding a life that feels good for you. Some days will be harder than others, but if you keep moving, hydrating, listening to your body, challenging yourself, and advocating for your needs, you will keep progressing.
No matter where you are in your journey, remember: you are stronger than you think, and you are not alone. 💙
What’s one thing that has helped you in your recovery? Let me know in the comments!
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