What’s New?

In the five years since my diagnosis of Parkinson’s I have learned a number of new skills to help me manage an ever changing range of symptoms associated with the condition. These new skills include:

Yoga

To combat the stiffness, rigidity and reduced range of movements.

Boxing

To improve my balance, co-ordination, response time and speed of movement.

Cycling

To improve my balance, cardiovascular fitness and my brain! There is evidence that cycling can help improve symptoms and may delay disease progression.

Mindfulness

Anxiety and depression are very common symptoms of Parkinson’s so I’ve learned and practice some of the basics of mindfulness to try to keep one step ahead.

‘You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf’ Jon Kabat Zinn

Playing Bridge

Learning a new skill is thought to be helpful in combatting cognitive problems associated with Parkinson’s such as problems with memory, concentration, inability to multi task, problems with decision making, thinking and planning. Learning to play Bridge was my new skill last year. I’m still learning this year and probably next year too!

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