A good exercise plan can really help your body to cope better with Parkinson’s disease. If you spend too much time inactive, your condition is unlikely to improve and may get worse. Regular exercise can help maintain flexibility, good posture, keep muscles strong and joints supple and improve circulation to the heart and lungs. It can also help you to deal with day-to-day stress, and give you a sense of achievement and control over your condition.
Taking up exercise could be as easy as finding a simple activity that you enjoy, such as walking, gardening, housekeeping or swimming, and making it part of your daily routine. (Try to make sure you are accompanied when swimming in case of possible freezing or cramping).
Try to retain as many of your leisure activities as possible. If they become more difficult, rather than immediately giving them up, consider whether there are simple modifications that might help. Some people find exercise classes beneficial, and exercising in a group can also provide an ideal opportunity to socialize.
Complementary therapies, such as the Alexander technique, Yoga, or Tai Chi, can help with Parkinson’s both physically and mentally. Sometimes these complementary therapies are now provided as part of a rehabilitation process for Parkinson’s.

Learning to live with Parkinson’s disease

There is no question that a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease represents a serious life change, and it is only natural to worry about the future. You will probably have ‘good’ and ‘bad’ days, and feelings of sadness, discouragement, irritability and frustration are all understandable. Importantly, try to be kind to yourself on days when you feel fed-up or frustrated.
It will help to share any anxieties with your family and friends, gain good professional advice and take advantage of local support networks.
If you start to experience more serious feelings of sadness or withdrawal, you may be suffering from depression. Signs of depression may include sleep disturbances, problems with concentration, weight loss/gain, anxiety or irritability and panic attacks.
If you or your family think that you are suffering from depression, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. It takes a lot of courage to admit that you are depressed.
Counselling may help. A counsellor can provide individual or family counselling about how to adjust to the changes Parkinson’s is making to your life.
Depression can often improve without treatment once your antiparkinsonian drugs begin to take effect. Simple measures such as adjusting your medication may help.
If it is felt that it is needed, several types of antidepressant drugs are compatible with the treatments for Parkinson’s and can help to relieve the symptoms of depression.
Carrying out everyday tasks can sometimes be challenging when learning to live with Parkinson’s disease. Visit the virtual house to see how you can make things easier for yourself.

Tips for staying positive
Understand Parkinson’s, its cause and its treatment
Find a good doctor you can trust and talk to
Take control of your future and take an active role in your symptom management
Remember your successes
Keep doing the things you enjoy
Pace yourself – know and accept your limitations
Accept help when you need it
Try not to ignore any problems
Remember – you are not alone!