In a study, people who gardened, did housework, or frequently engaged in other active pursuits were less likely to have a stroke than their less active peers. Researchers believe active hobbies and pastimes add up to more stroke-stopping exercise, so seek ways to keep your body engaged throughout the day.

In addition to participating in physical leisure activities such as gardening and housework, cycling or walking to work also may reduce people's risk of experiencing a stroke. Regular exercise has long been known to reduce the risk of stroke, but research also suggests being active during leisure time affects stroke risk as well. In a study, people who had the highest levels of leisure time and commuting physical activity experienced a 14 percent to 20 percent reduced risk of stroke over the course of the study. Ask your healthcare provider to recommend other strategies to lower your stroke risk, including modifying your diet, reducing blood pressure, and controlling diabetes, as well as ways to lose weight if you need to.