Patients with chronic diseases often experience a roll a coaster of emotions and sorting out which ones are from the medical condition verses those occurring in everyday life is not easy. It is hard to wake up on a beautiful day and find yourself in a slump without any concrete reason to feel down. Is it Parkinson’s or just a crumby day? Does it matter to know the reason? How do I fix it? These are challenging questions, but there are things to do that can help with changing a frown to a smile.
Firstly, get out of the house if you can. People became use to being isolated because of Covid and it is a fine line between just staying inside and making yourself go outside, even if it is to sit on the front porch, The change of scenery provides a diversion which we need for all of our senses. In the southeast, the weather is still warm, but there is a bit of relief as the autumn breezes flow. It gives your brain and body a lift.
Secondly, if you can get some physical activity into your day, it will make you feel better. This is because exercise, even a minimal amount, enables the brain to release good chemicals which in turn helps to boost your spirit. If you are in a wheelchair, you can still do physical activities. Check with your health care provider (physical therapist) see what is offered on-line. There is a wonderful program called Power Up With Parkinson’s that is offered in my area by Bodies and Balances Physical Therapy in Wilmington, NC. It is provided via an on-line class, led by a physical therapist and available five days a week. There may be similar types of programs in your area.
Lastly, give yourself permission to have “off” days. Don’t feel badly about yourself just because you are not your best on any given day. We tend to be hardest on ourselves. Try to give yourself approval to have a less than 10 day and have more of 12 plus ones!
