The holiday season can be a magical time, but for those living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), it also comes with its own set of challenges. Fatigue, motor symptoms, and disruptions to daily routines can turn the festivities into a stressful period. However, with some planning and the support of therapeutic tools like Gondola AMPS, it’s possible to approach the holidays with balance and fully enjoy the Christmas spirit.
Organize Your Time Flexibly
The holiday season is often filled with events: family gatherings, meeting friends, and visiting markets. For those with Parkinson’s, there’s a risk of overloading your body with too many activities in close succession, increasing fatigue and stress.
How to manage this?
- Plan breaks: Schedule moments of rest between activities. Even just 15–30 minutes can make a difference.
- Be selective: You don’t have to attend every event. Choose the most meaningful ones and set realistic expectations for yourself.
- Ask for help: Involve friends and family in organizing. Delegating isn’t a sign of weakness but a strategy to conserve energy.
The key is to communicate your needs openly. Those who care about you will be happy to adapt and offer the support you need to enjoy the holidays.
Adapt Your Diet Without Sacrifices
Holiday meals are often filled with delicious foods, but for those living with Parkinson’s, it’s important to find a balance between pleasure and necessity. Some foods can affect symptoms or the efficacy of medications, while overly large meals might increase feelings of heaviness or stiffness.
Practical tips:
- Moderate portions: Break meals into several light courses, avoiding overeating, which can make you feel tired.
- Mind protein intake: If you take levodopa, try to take it 30–60 minutes before meals to enhance absorption. After a protein-rich meal, it’s best to wait about 2 hours before taking any subsequent medication dose.
- Choose wisely: Opt for fiber-rich foods to aid digestion and bowel transit, often slowed in PD. Add dried fruits, seasonal vegetables, and light desserts to your meals.
Don’t deprive yourself of the joys of good food but approach each meal with awareness. Small adjustments will allow you to enjoy food without compromising your well-being.
Make Walking Safer, Even During Outings
Christmas invites us to go outside for events, market visits, or walks under the festive lights. However, for those with balance and walking difficulties, these moments can be challenging, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces.
Helpful strategies:
- Choose the right time: Plan outings during your ON medication phase, when the effects of medications are at their peak, allowing you to move more confidently. If Gondola AMPS is part of your therapy, prefer days when stimulation is scheduled and, for maximum benefit, perform the session in the morning. This will help you feel more stable and walk more comfortably.
- Prepare with the right footwear: Wear non-slippery (avoid smooth soles) and well-fitting shoes that provide support and stability, even on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Don’t go out alone: Whenever possible, walk with someone, especially in crowded or potentially hazardous areas. Using a cane or walker can also provide extra safety and peace of mind.
With careful planning, choosing the best times, and utilizing targeted therapies, you can fully enjoy the festive atmosphere while minimizing risks and cherishing the company of your loved ones.
Share Moments but Listen to Your Body
The social pressure of the holidays might push you to attend too many events or hide symptoms to avoid questions. However, this can increase stress and worsen symptoms.
How to find balance?
- Recognize your limits: If you feel tired or overwhelmed, take a break without guilt. Remember, your well-being is a priority.
- Be transparent with those around you: Sharing your condition can help loved ones understand your needs, making events more inclusive.
- Find quiet moments: Retreat to a calm space to meditate, relax, or simply breathe deeply.
Participating in Christmas celebrations also means accepting that not everything has to be perfect. The most authentic moments are often the simplest and most spontaneous.
Christmas can still be a time of joy for those living with Parkinson’s, as long as you respect your own pace and needs. With good organization, the support of loved ones, and tools like Gondola AMPS, it’s possible to experience the holidays with serenity and gratitude. Remember that the true holiday spirit isn’t in the things you do but in the moments of sharing and love you create.
Sources consulted:
- Parkinson’s Foundation:
https://www.parkinson.org/blogs/tips/parkinsons-holiday-guide - Parkinson Community Los Angeles (PCLA):
https://pcla.org/finding-joy-in-the-holiday-season-with-pd/ - Kinderkey Healthcare:
https://www.kinderkey.co.uk/blog-category/how-christmas-can-still-be-magical-with-parkinsons/ - Gondola AMPS Clinical Study – PLOS ONE: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0137977
