Community Views: Favorite Hobbies & Activities with Parkinson's

It might be easy to think you have to give up your hobbies when living with Parkinson’s. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Parkinson’s may change how you enjoy some of your favorite pastimes, but it doesn’t keep you from participating entirely.

To hear more about which hobbies you are enjoying the most, we reached out on the ParkinsonsDisease.net Facebook page. We asked you to fill in the blank: “My favorite hobbies and activities are _____________.”

Nearly 50 of you responded. Here are your top answers.

“Knitting”

Those who knit need little reassurance that this hobby can be therapeutic. This mentally stimulating hobby can help fight off depression and help improve motor skills. Besides which, knitting is a fun pastime that takes advantage of creativity—and, it doesn’t need to be about the finished product. It can simply be about the calm, enjoyable process.

“Knitting (which is not as neat as it used to be)!”

“Knitting helps me gauge how well my meds are working, as well as providing a much needed creative outlet.”

“Dancing”

Dancing is so freeing—it feels good to have a physical release and express ourselves through movement. Even better, dancing is good for your brain. It releases dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, which is why you feel good when dancing. Some people with Parkinson’s experience depression, so dancing can be a great way to give yourself a feel-good boost. Dancing can also improve mobility and balance—and any kind of body movement can bring benefits, even if you are cutting loose while seated in a chair. So why not turn up your favorite music and start moving!

“DANCING.”

“I’m dancing again—terribly—but no one is around.”

“Photography”

Creative pastimes, whether photography, painting, writing or anything else that speaks to you, is a wonderful way to express yourself, have fun and stretch yourself a bit both mentally and physically. Several of you mentioned enjoying photography, as well as writing.

“My husband with Parkinson’s enjoys photography.”

“Photography.”

“Writing.”

“My grandchildren”

Grandchildren, children, and other people’s grandchildren or children call all bring so much joy into our lives. Young people are especially great in that they encourage us in so many healthy habits, from being creative to being happy to being physical to just simply laughing. So many of you shared that the children in your life lift your spirits and bring so much happiness into your lives. What a gift to have those connections that benefit mind, body, and spirit.

“My six grandchildren. Thank God they live nearby.”

“Lego building with my godson.”

“My sons, grandsons, granddaughters, great grands and 2 beautiful daughters-in-law.”

“Traveling and hiking”

We love, love reading that so many in the community are still having adventures—traveling and exploring their local communities. Of course, you can still travel. It just may require a little more preparation and you may not cover as much ground as you used to. But that’s not a reason to not go!

“Walking, riding in a car or a train etc. There are endless possibilities. I am not going to stop living. I am going to enjoy it all.”

“Traveling and hiking.”

“Exploring my new home in Ubud, Bali.”

We want to say thank you to everyone in our ParkinsonsDisease.net community who shared. We are so grateful that so many of you are enjoying such active lives and encouraging others to do so. Thank you.