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Do you experience anxiety? Did you anxiety begin or become worse following your diagnosis? Would you be surprised to learn that there is a connection between anxiety, physical activity and cognitive impairment in people with Parkinson’s? Click here to listen to a flash briefing on research on this topic.
One of the ways I manage my anxiety is by being physically active. Sometimes it’s a struggle, but I know I’ll feel better if I move my body, even a little bit. What about you? How does anxiety affect you and your ability to take care of your body with physical activity?
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Physical activity lessens my anxiety, also mindfulness meditation, I recently completed a mindfulness meditation class for PD where I learned to “quiet”my mind and thoughts. Very helpful!
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My anxiety has definitely increased over the past Covid year. An exercise routine has never been part of my life, but that doesn’t mean I get no exercise. Gardening has been my activity. There is a lot of walking, lifting, digging and carrying. This past Covid summer allowed me to include plenty of social interaction. Offer free plants and people will come! With social distancing and the fresh air outside, my garden gave me the stimulus I need as well as activity.
I realized how much the garden activity plays a role in PD. The weather changed and I could no longer spend many hours working in my beds. There no longer were people stopping by to visit. This has been my worst year ever for anxiety. My symptoms are worse and I am taking more C/L . I feel ill and weak and am apathetic. Will I feel better in the spring when I can work in my garden? More importantly, will I be able to work in my garden?
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Hi Barbara, I’m not sure where you live, but if the climate is too cold/snowy to get outside and garden, it’s understandable that you’re feeling more anxious and isolated right now. I hope that having a new season of gardening to look forward to in the (ideally!) not-to-distant future gives you a glimmer of hope to hang onto.
Have you thought about trying your hand at indoor gardening and tending to some houseplants? I know it’s not the same as being outside in your garden, but perhaps it’s something that could tide you over for now? My friend who loves gardening has also joined a few online courses/seminars about gardening to help her prepare for the coming season. She doesn’t see anyone in-person but has the opportunity to chat online with likeminded folks and that has helped her a lot.
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In past years, the garden club I belong to, filled my winter gardening void. We would meet monthly and it was an opportunity for socializing, learning and sharing. As Vice President, I had an opportunity to be imaginative and creative. This was fun and fulfilling for me.
Then the pandemic came. No more socializing. No more sharing. No more reason to be creative. The meetings continue via Zoom, but there is no way to present a speaker gift, have fun with door prizes or pass along plants.
It seems like this has left a void in my life that has filled with anxiety.
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