Exercise does not necessarily reverse or delay Parkinson’s symptoms, but it helps you improve your quality of life and make full use of your potential. It also helps prevent complications like contractures of rigid, poorly moving limbs in Parkinson’s. Brisk-walking, range-of-motion exercises or even simple stretching regimens (prescribed as per an individual’s assessment) can do wonders for your energy level, strength, and the general feeling of well-being.
But that being said, at times, it could be hard to keep up with your exercise regimen due to fatigue. Setting your priorities right and planning your day carefully can amp up your motivation and help you make the most of your exercise regimen. Here are 5 things you should do to fight fatigue in Parkinson’s:
1. Set priorities
Focus on tasks that must be done on daily basis. Plan to take care of your daily activities around those times when your medication gives you the most benefit or is most effective. Mornings are often a better time of the day to exercise and work because you are not as fatigued as in the afternoon.
2. Remain flexible
Understand that it is common to have fluctuations in your mobility and energy levels during the day. Be willing to change the way you do things and live. Ask your doctor to suggest you an occupational therapist (OT). An OT will help you discover new ways of doing simple, everyday tasks like dressing, eating, and cooking. He can show you how to simplify your work and conserve your energy for exercising daily.
3. Take your time
Allow extra time to do everything, be it eating, drinking, and dressing, talking, or writing. Tackle one job at a time and break down activities into a series of smaller steps. Ask caregiver to assist you with the difficult portions of the task. This way, you will be able to reserve some energy for working out, especially when you exercise in the evening.
4. Try and test your mobility aid(s)
Do not forget to try out any mobility equipment (canes, walkers, electric wheelchairs or transport chairs) before you buy it. Check out the size, weight, and ease of operation. An ergonomic equipment can make a huge difference to your energy levels as well as your Parkinson’s therapy program.
5. Get inspired
Remember, fatigue is a common, frustrating Parkinson’s disease symptom, which can be felt both physically and mentally. Self-awareness can help you prevent and combat mental fatigue.
Set aside quiet time each day to grow spiritually. Listen to audiotapes that promote positive thinking and deliver a healing message. This will help you stay motivated to exercise on daily basis and live life zestfully, even with Parkinson’s.
This Blog is contributed by Dr. Deepak Kr. Nain. He is a certified therapist who specializes in the field of rehabilitation. Deepak possesses a clinical expertise in prescribing the best solutions to help people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
