Exercise is more than a way to stay fit and lose weight. New research has shown a powerful link between exercise and reduced intensity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms, providing people with Parkinson’s another means of improving their quality of life. Learn more about how exercise can help with PD symptoms. 

Understanding the Link Between Anxiety, Exercise, and Parkinson’s

How Anxiety and Parkinson’s Are Related

Anxiety and stress can damage dopamine cells, which can intensify the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. When someone is worried, the chemical imbalances created by stress hormones like cortisol can worsen symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and reaction times, which can make daily living more stressful for people with Parkinson’s. 

While making life changes such as turning off stressful television programming, staying away from negative people, and socializing can help to limit stress, exercise has been shown to be an especially powerful way to lower stress reactions and reduce symptoms. 

How Exercise Can Help 

Exercise has been shown to lower cortisol levels, helping people feel more relaxed. This can reduce Parkinson’s symptoms like rigidity and tremors. According to one study, people with Parkinson’s disease who exercised between two and three hours a week slowed their Parkinson’s progression. Exercise can also improve flexibility and mobility, in addition to boosting energy levels. 

The best exercises for people with Parkinson’s disease include aerobic cardiovascular activity with stretching and flexibility training. Activities like yoga, Tai Chi, and walking with friends can be especially powerful in the fight against stress and anxiety, since each activity can increase mindfulness and reduce daily stress. Strength training is also helpful, as it can help to improve your fine motor coordination. 

When you start exercising regularly, experiment with working out at different times of day, and take notes about how the workouts you try impact your symptoms. Try working out when your Parkinson’s medication is in full effect, so you can enjoy the best balance and mobility to help you to get more from your workout. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with PD, don’t hesitate to reach out to Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson's of Windsor, CT. By becoming a member of this trusted volunteer organization, you can learn how individuals with Parkinson’s can manage their symptoms and live a longer, healthier life. Find out about upcoming events or ways to contribute by visiting their website or by calling their office (860) 266-6040.