Stress Relievers for PD

        I think that stress relievers for PD are probably about the same as stress relievers for anything!  Some are probably individual to each person and some are probably the same for all of us.  I think we all need a good night's sleep! For PD people, that can be difficult because many of us have insomnia.  For me, I need enough sleep or I am cranky!  I also know that when and if I exercise I sleep better!  I know it is also important to eat well(I don't always do that but I know I should).(If chocolate were a stress reliever I would be the most stress free person walking on the face of the Earth!!)  Pets can be stress relievers.  We have two cats. Our cat Rosie, shown below, loves to be petted but our other cat Nittany HATES to be held. I think he is a stress inducer, LOL!  No, we love him and he stays in the room with us but he just hates to be held!

 Yesterday I went to visit my daughter Renee and her dog Sandy!  Sandy is a very sweet dog.  I don't want to have a dog to take care of but I love to visit my daughter's dog.

  It's nice to have a grand-dog to visit and then go home! But I guess if you have a dog, it would make you exercise because you would have to walk the dog! I just don't want the responsibility! Also I love to have a clean house and I feel less stress when it is cleaned so I run my Roomba almost everyday!  Dan and I love to be in nature and the outdoors. We camp in the nice weather and it is such a stress reliever to be in nature and wake up in a beautiful campground and watch the sunset each evening and the sunrise in the morning. I just love listening to all of the creatures chirping  and buzzing, their sounds sort of lull me to sleep!  I love it when it rains and I hear the pitter patter of the rain drops on the canvas of our pop up camper. Years ago, we camped in tent, but now we have a camper with heat, air conditioning, heated mattresses, etc!  I think hanging with good friends is also a stress reliever for me!
I also need to be with people like myself which means other people who like to read.  That is why I am in two book clubs, one is with my friends and one is a library book club.  I also am in two bereaved mom groups, I run one and help at the other one.  I am in a birthday lunch group with my three best friends and I just LOVE to be with them! I also am in several FACEBOOK groups for PD and I blog about it so I can help others and learn from others and I think all of that helps reduce my stress!!

TODAY I STARTED MY EXERCISE ROUTINE!! A WHOLE 15 MINUTES!! My friend Hans encouraged me so I felt like I had no more excuses left for myself!! My Sciatica really hurts but hopefully it is worth it if it prevents my PD from progressing at a faster rate! My plan is to do 15 minutes again later today.

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The information below I found online about PD and Stress!  I don't agree with all of them but I am not an expert by any means.  I would never turn off the news because I am a NEED TO KNOW person!  LOL< learn to sing?? I would definitely CAUSE A LOT OF STRESS to others who had to listen to me sing!!!!


 Reducing stressors in life is not always easy. You might need to take a closer look at your life to find what needs to change. Sometimes just reducing the negative influences in your life can make a big difference. Here is what I do to reduce stress and overcome anxiety — and what you can try, too.

Turn off the news.  Overexposure to events that are beyond your control can create tension and worry.

Eliminate violent and mindless TV and stressful video games. Use that time to engage in a hobby or something you enjoy.

Minimize exposure to negative people. Instead, connect with people who uplift you.

Learn some relaxation techniques. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help restore a sense of calm. Seek a yoga class tailored to Parkinson’s patients.

Seek solace in music. Try classical, soft rock, nature sounds or alternative. Set up a comfortable listening area where you can fully enjoy the moment.

Stay passionate. If Parkinson's takes something you love away or care about, find a hobby to replace it. If you can no longer paint, pick up a camera and take pictures or learn to sing.

Stay open-minded and resilient. This will help you handle adversity.

Exercise away the anxiety. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about setting up an exercise regimen that meets your health needs.

Socialize.  Nothing can empower you like a feeling of camaraderie. Get involved with a community organization, a support group, or a charity that you believe in.

Learn to laugh. Keeping a sense of humor is a sure way to beat anxiety. Watch a funny video and read something that makes you laugh every day.

Remember, anxiety and depression often go together. But the symptoms of anxiety can include: feelings of panic, fear and restlessness, sleep disturbance, poor concentration, palpitations, shortness of breath, irritability, and dizziness.

If you feel that you are totally overwhelmed by your feelings, consult with your physician. He or she can refer you to a mental health professional. There is no shame in seeking help, when you need it. Everyone deals with his or her anxiety differently.  

Ultimately, finding balance in your mind and body will help you cope with the daily stresses of life. This may mean limiting your exposure to environmental stressors or using complementary therapies. Such approaches are wonderful ways to lower anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve your all-around health.

Finally, remember, that your outlook and attitude are vital to everything you do, and keeping a positive attitude can be contagious. I promise you, staying positive makes living with Parkinson's disease easier and more enjoyable. If you are able to incorporate the above tips into your life over time, you may find that anxiety will be a thing of the past.