Parkinson’s Management: How to Manage and Reduce Stress

Continued stress is not good for any of us, but as you probably know, stress can severely affect Parkinson’s Disease sufferers. Evidence has suggested that stress can in fact make symptoms more prominent, leaving suffers at a loss. Although it is yet to be proven, those sufferers who do experience high levels of stress can find themselves trying to deal with everyday life, the event that’s caused them undue stress, and of course come to terms with the effects of their Parkinson’s all at once.

With that in mind, we’ve put together some tips to help those with Parkinson’s Disease (and of course those without) deal with stress.

Eat a balanced diet

Although this is true for everyone, those who suffer from stress on a regular basis, and those with Parkinson’s Disease, should look at maintaining a healthy, balanced diet at all times. Eating a well-balanced diet, with regular meals, will help you to feel better from the moment you wake up, until the moment you go to bed. Meals should a balanced mix of vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and whole grains, in order to give you energy. Without a good diet, you will find your mood deteriorates, resulting in small things causing you stress.

Undertake exercise regularly

Although everyone should exercise on a regular basis, those with Parkinson’s should make it part of their daily life. It doesn’t have to be anything too taxing – we’re not saying you should head to the gym six times a week, but walking instead of driving, jumping on a push bike, or even taking up something low impact like swimming can really help get air in your lungs and keep your muscles moving in rhythm.

Meditate

Meditation has become one of the most common ways of relaxing in recent years. Once reserved for alternative therapists and retreats, those who have opened their arms to meditation have reaped the positive impacts. Providing time away from life and enabling you to be at one with your thoughts in a calm environment, mediation can bring a myriad of benefits to those who really embrace it. Why not combine mediation with yoga or Pilates, too? Both calming forms of exercise, they focus on keeping the body strong – without putting pressure on joints.

Do things you enjoy

Just because you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things you love. If you’re stressed, it could be time to go back to your roots. If you’re a keen reader, make time for yourself and get your head in a book you’ve always wanted to read; if you prefer exploring new places, organize a holiday to somewhere new and get immersed in a different culture. You’ll be amazed at how great you feel afterwards! How do you relax when stress takes over?