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Fox Focus | Living with Parkinson’s
Managing Stress
and Self-care
During Uncertain
Times
by RACHEL DOLHUN, MD
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCK STEADY BOXING
Amid the chaotic time of coronavirus disease
(COVID-19), we have all been adapting to a
“new normal” we never expected. Parkinson’s
or not, all of us are experiencing uncertainties
and anxieties. Now more than ever, it’s
important to take care of your whole self:
not just your body, but also your mood, mind
and spirit. Putting yourself first can help
everything else feel easier. It may take a little
flexibility and creativity, but it all comes down
to a few basic practices.
Keep a Regular Routine
Staying home can mean a lot of unstructured
time. A schedule can improve mood, sleep
and cognition. Stick to your usual wake and
bedtime to get the recommended hours
of sleep. Bookend your day with relaxing
activities, such as journaling or meditating
in the morning, and taking a bath or reading
a book before bed. Plan activities, including
exercise, as you normally would throughout
the week and find new ways, such as
cleaning projects or online courses to keep
yourself busy.
Focus On the Present
Find simple ways to keep joy and humor in
each day. You can start by acknowledging
what you are grateful for — the smaller and
more defined, the better. Maybe it’s the birds
you now can hear chirping outside since
traffic has slowed.
Use gratitude to pull yourself back to the
present when anxiety sets in. Many people
find mindfulness and meditation beneficial.
(Find guided practices online or through