THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Self-care sometimes gets a reputation for being a woo-woo practice — something that’s unconventional and has little scientific data to back it up. But the body of scientific evidence showing that self-care practices can have an impact is growing. 

A self-care routine has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve well-being. And since my dad has drawn a parallel between high-stress levels and worsening Parkinson’s symptoms, it’s important to me that he find ways to practice self-care on a daily basis.

As the National Institute of Mental Health  notes, self-care “means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.”

For me, self-care often means incorporating into my life deep stretching in the evening, such as yin yoga, a monthly massage, or even an afternoon in a hot tub. But it can look different for everyone. For some, self-care includes a healthy diet, relaxing activities like yoga and meditation, exercising, and an optimized sleep schedule. Additional activities that fall into the category of self-care might include massage therapy for those stiff and painful muscles,
acupuncture, or communicating with a support group on a regular basis.

Because Dad is highly sensitive to stressors, he’s come to recognize the power of self-care activities. This is evident in his dedication to exercise classes, prayer, and afternoon naps. Without these practices, his body seems to  become stiffer and his mind is more prone to reacting negatively to stress. He’s more likely to become irritable or shaky if he skips his care routine. Self-care seems to stabilize his body and his mind, making them more resilient to the inevitable changes that he experiences.

I think one common component that’s overlooked when it comes to self-care is establishing a routine. While a single self-care activity might help to briefly shift one’s mindset or the body’s stress, it seems that a regular practice yields more impactful results over the long term. This is why I try to encourage my dad to take care of himself, even if it means skipping out on an activity that he normally loves.