Everyday Therapy: Boost Aphasia Recovery with a Simple Recipe

Discover how simple tools like recipes can transform aphasia recovery.

Everyday Therapy: How a Simple Recipe Can Transform Your Aphasia Recovery

For many stroke survivors, life after rehab can feel like an endless cycle of inactivity, often accompanied by what I call “Death by TV.” You know the pattern—sitting on the couch, flipping through channels, and feeling like progress is out of reach.

Let me tell you something loud and clear: It doesn’t have to be this way.

I’ve worked with countless survivors, and time and again, I’ve seen incredible recovery happen through consistent, purposeful action. Even better? You don’t need expensive tools or elaborate programs to get started. In fact, you likely already have everything you need—right in your kitchen.

In this blog, we’ll explore how something as simple as a printed recipe can become a powerful therapy tool to rebuild speech, language, and thinking skills. Not into cooking? Don’t worry. These techniques work with anything you’re passionate about, from fishing poles to LEGO instructions.

Let’s dive in.

Neuroplasticity: The Secret to Recovery

Your brain is an amazing thing. After a stroke or brain injury, it has the ability to adapt, change, and rewire itself through a process called neuroplasticity.

But here’s the catch:
Your brain won’t rewire itself unless you work it. Think of it like exercising a muscle—without regular and intentional use, it stays stagnant.

The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment to tap into neuroplasticity. Everyday items, like a recipe, can provide the stimulation your brain needs to grow and improve.

10 Ways to Use a Recipe in Therapy

A recipe is so much more than a meal plan—it’s a treasure trove of therapy opportunities. Here are 10 creative ways to use it to boost your recovery:

1️⃣ Practice Reading Fluency: Start with short sections and build your way up.

2️⃣ Expand Vocabulary: Learn new words like “heirloom” or “sprig.”

3️⃣ Improve Comprehension: Answer questions like, “What do I do first?”

4️⃣ Strengthen Sequencing Skills: Organize the steps in the correct order.

5️⃣ Boost Memory: Recall ingredients or steps without looking.

6️⃣ Work on Writing: Copy ingredients or steps neatly to build handwriting skills.

7️⃣ Develop Grammar: Identify verbs in the instructions and use them in sentences.

8️⃣ Enhance Descriptive Language: Describe the recipe photo in detail.

9️⃣ Focus on Numeracy: Work with measurements and fractions.

🔟 Build Social Connection: Discuss the recipe with a family member or friend.

Each of these tasks can be tailored to your specific goals, whether it’s speech, memory, or overall communication.

Two Simple Examples to Get You Started

To make this more actionable, here are two targeted exercises you can try today:

Example 1: Gradual Reading for Speech Practice

Start with two words from the recipe title: “Roast Chicken.”
Add one word at a time: “Roast Chicken with... Roast Chicken with Spring... Roast Chicken with Spring Vegetables.”
Continue until you can say the entire title fluently.

This exercise builds confidence and fluency, one small step at a time.

Example 2: Writing from Memory for Working Memory Practice

Read an ingredient aloud, like “1/4 cup olive oil.”
Hold it in your mind and write it down from memory.
Struggling? Write just “1/4 cup” first, then add the rest.

Over time, this can improve both memory and handwriting.

Make It Personal

Not into cooking? No problem! These methods work with anything you enjoy. Here are a few ideas:

Fishing: Use the specifications for your favorite fishing pole.
Gardening: Practice reading and writing seed packets.
LEGO Building: Follow the instructions step by step, focusing on sequencing.

The key is to choose something that excites you. Recovery doesn’t have to feel like work—it can be fun, meaningful, and tailored to your interests.

Ready to Take Action?

Here’s your challenge:

1️⃣ Find a recipe or any printed instructions that interest you.

2️⃣ Try one of the exercises we shared—like gradual reading or writing from memory.

3️⃣ Reflect on what works and where you want to improve.

Recovery happens through action. Even small, consistent steps can create significant progress over time.

Let’s Do This Together

If you’re ready to break the cycle of “Death by TV” and take control of your recovery, here’s how we can help:

Schedule a Consultation: Work with me one-on-one to uncover your strengths and create a personalized plan for your recovery. [Click Here]
Care Partners, We’ve Got You Covered Too: Join our free 5-day email course for practical tips to support your loved one. [Click Here]
Listen to the Podcast Episode: We talk through all of these in more detail on Episode #129 of the Listen For LIFE Aphasia Podcast. [Listen or Watch Here]

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to settle for a life that feels stagnant. Recovery is possible, and it starts with YOU.

Every small step you take—whether it’s reading a recipe or discussing a fishing pole—adds up. Progress happens when you show up for yourself, one day at a time.

Let’s make your recovery journey something extraordinary.

💛 Genevieve

P.S. Your favorite recipe, fishing pole, or seed packet is waiting. Let’s turn it into your next recovery tool!

Categories: : Aphasia, Neuroplasticity, Stroke Survivor, Therapy Methods