Something Sweet with Susan

What goes through your mind as you head into a New Year?  Do you make New Year’s resolutions?
  

I remember January 2009 – my New Year’s resolution was to learn how to relax. During an 11 month period between September 2007 and August 2008, I experienced more stress than the body is made to handle. One of my close friends committed suicide and subsequently caused me to take on an increased workload that took a toll on my health.  My brother-in-law, who had been in the family longer than I was old, died in his sleep and my nephew was killed in an automobile accident when his mother was rear-ended by a semi on the way home from the funeral.  The week after that third death, I had a panic attack while driving.  I realized that I had taken the wrong freeway, was in another state, and was not headed toward my intended destination.  This point in my life was as close as I’ve ever been to a nervous breakdown.  My doctor gave me medication and told me to take a 6 week leave of absence.  Thinking I was stronger than that, I went back to work after only one week.  Yes, I’m stubborn!  My husband will not believe I just admitted that in writing!  These events made me realize I had to put my type A personality aside and learn to relax or I was not going to live to see old age.  

Many people make New Year’s resolutions only to give up on them within a few weeks. According to a Forbes Health survey printed in 2024, the average New Year’s resolution lasts 3.74 months. There are actually unofficial holidays to commemorate the failure of New Year’s resolutions including “Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day” on January 17 and “Quitter’s Day” on the second Friday in January.  I just learned that June 1st is unofficially known as “New Year’s Resolution Recommitment Day”.

Many people are eager to start an exercise/weight loss program after Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I call the combination of these holidays the sugar trifecta.  Exercise more is one of the top three most common New Year’s resolutions.  (The other two are – eat healthier and save more money.)

For me, exercise cannot be a resolution where I commit and give up.  I often refer to it as a necessary evil.  I would love to be one of those people that love to exercise, but I know myself and that will never be me.

If you are someone living with Parkinson’s I hope you know the importance of exercise. Staying active is crucial for PD patients. I have heard over and over and been told by my doctors that exercise is currently the only thing known to slow the progression of PD.

Every person living with PD is on their own unique journey.  This is one of the most challenging aspects of the disease.  Not one person can tell any one of us what the trajectory of our own progression will look like. If there is anything I can do to slow my progression, count me in!

I certainly understand the following statement by Michael J. Fox, “I feared Parkinson’s most when I least understood it – the early days, months, and years after I was first diagnosed.  It seems strange to say it, but I had to learn to respect Parkinson’s disease.” 

I have had to learn how to pace myself.  There are times that I need more rest than others.  Today was one of those days.  I had a list of things I wanted to complete, but had to accept that that was not going to happen today.  I didn’t sleep well, I had an intense workout this morning followed by a 30 minute walk.  I did not expect to crash when I got home, but that’s exactly what happened.  My body was telling me it was done.  I encourage you to listen to your body and not to push yourself beyond what you are feeling.

If you are wanting to start an exercise program, the first thing you need to do is talk to your doctor.  People living with PD will most likely be referred to a physical therapist for an evaluation and personalized plan.

Parkinson’s is not a death sentence.  It means you alter your life and you make changes along the way to make it work.  I personally focus on sleep, exercise, eating healthy and a conscious effort to stay positive.

I wish you a happy and healthy 2025!

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23