Tips for Living Well With Parkinsons Disease in 2022

After a Parkinson’s diagnosis, life can become a stream of “what ifs” and “I can’ts.” While it’s true that life changes with the disease, there are still many things we can do, including exercising, practicing mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet.

Many ring in the new year by promising to exercise more and eat a healthy diet. It may sound cliché, but for those of us with Parkinson’s, a healthy lifestyle can improve our quality of life and help us manage symptoms and slow progression.

If you have Parkinson’s, I’ve compiled a list of activities that you may find helpful. Remember, before starting an exercise plan or changing your diet, make sure to consult with your medical team. Keep your goals simple and attainable. Tackle one thing at a time. Be patient with yourself. Include your family — a healthy lifestyle is for everyone!

Exercise

Do something for your health every day. Simple activities and one-minute meditations are a great way to start. There are exercises for all abilities and fitness levels, from chair exercises to high-intensity interval training.

Physical activities might include taking a walk, or tossing a ball from one hand to the other while standing or sitting. Try adding cognitive exercises to your daily regimen. For instance, toss the ball and spell your name.

You can also add resistance training with very light weights or bands. Water bottles or cans of soup can serve as dumbbells. A dish towel pulled tight between your hands can be used as well. Be creative.

A few things to keep in mind: Choose something appropriate for your fitness level that you enjoy, and try new activities. If you can exercise with friends, a spouse, or other people with Parkinson’s, they can hold you accountable and help you stick with it. That’s a win for everyone!

The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s and the Brian Grant Foundation offer additional resources and tips.

Mindfulness

Researchers are discovering that mindfulness is helpful in managing Parkinson’s. It can relieve stress and anxiety, and improve your mood. Some useful tools are apps, books, soft music, and breathing techniques.

Healthy eating

Drinking enough water to stay hydrated and maintaining a well-balanced diet can be challenging. Finding ways to simplify cooking can make this easier and less stressful.

Start with a few simple recipes that contain few ingredients but are packed with vitamins. Use precut meats and vegetables as a shortcut.

Try new things and mix them up. Hard-boiled eggs or smoothies can make for a healthy meal at any point during the day. It’s breakfast for dinner!

Another option is meal delivery services, which conveniently send you the ingredients for several meals. You can tailor the meals to your diet, and choose how many you want.

Keep it simple, and you can be successful. It is possible to pursue a healthy lifestyle with Parkinson’s. Visit the Parkinson’s News Today Forums and let us know how you are choosing to be healthy in 2022.

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