Planning Your Year with Parkinson’s

Jan 15, 2025

We love the energy the new year brings! It’s the perfect time to set goals and position yourself for success throughout each season.

We also recognize that living with Parkinson’s can make life feel unpredictable. This doesn’t mean you’re powerless to plan, though!

While there’s no guarantee how you’ll feel from one day to the next, there are practical guidelines you can follow to ensure you approach the year with care and meet each season with confidence and optimism.

Here are our season-by-season suggestions for how to plan your year while living with Parkinson’s.

Winter

woman doing a yoga class

Winter is a season of rest and rejuvenation. It’s also marked by longer, darker days, which limit opportunities for outdoor activity and social events.

That’s why it’s especially important to be intentional about setting a routine for connection, movement, and mindfulness!

Try these tips for maximizing your mental health during the winter months:

1. Set a standing date with a friend or loved one

Whether you plan to meet for coffee the same day each week or schedule a regular phone call, having an anchor point for socialization will help keep you connected when it may feel easier to withdraw.

2. Join an indoor or online exercise group

Cold outside? Take your workout indoors! Boxing, yoga, and dance are a few exercises that have proven benefits for people living with Parkinson’s, and there are many online and in-person options to get you started.

See our full list of exercise resources for Parkinson’s disease.

3. Embrace the invitation to slow down

Rather than resisting the darker, colder months, take them as a welcome invitation to slow down.

Whether you tackle that pile of books you’ve been meaning to read, take up a new hobby like knitting or crocheting, or allow yourself an earlier bedtime, there is joy in pressing the pause button and reveling in life’s simple pleasures.

4. Take precautions against falls

Headed outside? Take proper precautions to prevent the likelihood of slips and falls.

Wear proper footwear with good traction, and use walking aids for extra assistance. Avoid walking outside when ice or snow is present.

Spring

Man on a walk in the spring

The world comes awake in spring, making it the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air!

Here’s how to set yourself up for a joyful spring season:

1. Start a garden

Gardening is a healthy, low-impact exercise with fantastic mental health benefits!

There’s something especially satisfactory about watching your seeds grow into something delicious or beautiful to share and enjoy with loved ones.

2. Take a daily walk

Whether it’s 10 or 30 minutes, getting even a small amount of movement outside each day has a variety of physical and mental benefits. Take notice of the changing landscape as the spring days wear on, offering proof that warmer days are on the horizon.

3. Refresh your living space

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it can also lift your spirits! Rearrange a room, swap out decor, or simply declutter to create a more calming and welcoming environment.

Summer

women at a farmers market

Summertime is a season of vibrancy and activity, but it’s also important to stay mindful of your energy levels and hydration needs.

Here are some tips for making the most of summer:

1. Visit your local Farmers Market

Farmers markets are a great way to support local agriculture while incorporating fresh, seasonal produce into your diet. Walking around the market also doubles as light exercise!

2. Plan a getaway

Whether it’s a day trip to a nearby town or a longer vacation, planning a getaway can provide a change of scenery and a sense of adventure. Just be sure to plan your activities with flexibility to account for how you’re feeling.

See our travel guide for more tips.

3. Stay hydrated

Warmer temperatures mean an increased need to stay hydrated. Keep a reusable water bottle handy, and try incorporating foods with high water content—like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges—into your meals.

Fall

women cooking a fall meal

As the leaves turn and temperatures cool, fall is the perfect time to establish routines and prepare for the holiday season. Here are some ideas:

1. Settle into a routine

With summer’s spontaneous energy winding down, fall is an excellent time to create or revisit a daily routine. Predictability can be incredibly helpful in managing Parkinson’s symptoms.

2. Prepare for the holidays

The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also be overwhelming. Start planning early to reduce stress—whether that’s setting a gift budget, organizing travel, or scheduling downtime to recharge.

3. Incorporate seasonal recipes

Fall brings an abundance of hearty, nutrient-rich foods like squash, apples, and root vegetables. Experimenting with new recipes can be a fun way to enjoy the season’s flavors while prioritizing healthy eating.

Plan Today for a Joyful Tomorrow

woman feeling joy

While living with Parkinson’s presents unique challenges, planning for the year with intention can help you approach each season with care and confidence.

By incorporating these seasonal strategies into your routine, you can cultivate a sense of balance, optimism, and joy throughout the year.

Happy 2025, and here’s to a year of thoughtful planning and meaningful moments!

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