Relaxation to Push Away the Blahs

Life with Parkinson’s can be rough. If you’re active on this website, you know our advocates define the painful symptoms of the condition. Nevertheless, we also list ways that may make your life better.

At the end of the day, relaxation and inner peace are the be all, end all, and there are many ways to find it.

The first relaxation technique that comes to mind, for me, is visiting a masseuse. Others might feel meditation is the answer. In a world of endless stress and strain, Parkinson’s or not, finding our own way to achieve relaxation is the answer.

Calm waters

I’ve never been Michael Phelps, let alone "a swimmer." Still, if the moment and place are right, I appreciate aqua endeavors. For instance, a few years ago, with the aid of a life jacket, I floated in the bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico.

There are 4 of these unique environments in the world. Here, microorganisms get excited by movement and glow in a way that resembles a huge light at the bottom of a pool.

If you get the chance, it is a life-altering experience to be alone under the stars, marveling at Nature’s beauty while forgetting about "stuff." If you can't go there, relaxation under the stars or in local lakes will work.

Pacific waves

I love moments of calm and water exercise at my local pool. Knowing my body’s abilities and Parkinson’s reactions to stress, swimming through rough waves and deep beneath the surface isn’t realistic anymore. Still, I decided to try floating and looking underwater for sea turtles on my recent Hawaiian vacation.

Within 30 minutes, however, my body couldn’t repetitively kick or swim hard enough to see more than a couple sea turtles. I yelled across the waves to my wife to enjoy herself, but she came back on the boat. The lifeguard in charge hauled me in after a futile 10-minute attempt at saving myself.

I could have been angry at my body failing me, but I wasn’t. Instead, I moved to the back of that catamaran, stretched out on the netting, and watched the beautiful puffy white clouds in a vibrant blue sky for the better part of an hour.

The calm took over. As the kids say, it was all that, both on the trip and in life. The answer: stretch out and chill, wherever and whenever.

Van Gogh immersion

Until my wife came along, I was never much of an art guy. But between her taking me to museums, Italy, and Greece, I enjoy it a lot more and can use words like triptych correctly.

Topps Project 70 artistic baseball cards definitely help, too. Earlier in the year, I bought us tickets to see the Van Gogh immersion show. It was incredible.

Apparently, I’m not the only 1 who combines Van Gogh and baseball. Artist Ron English did a Van Gogh inspired Bill Buckner card. It reminds me of the pain Lewy body dementia caused Buckner.

It’s a very powerful image, and now resides amongst Robinson, Clemente, and Gehrig – my inspirational trifecta. We all need inspirations.

Appreciate creativity

In life, there are a few things that can stop my tremors. My masseuse is 1. The other is lying on the floor, sounds and video playing, Van Gogh’s almond blossoms falling as I prop myself on a bean bag.

Thirty minutes of calm, at least. I noticed. My wife noticed. It was that good. I highly recommend it to anyone, whether they tremor or not.

Another answer: appreciate creativity.

Time with pets

Recently, my wife and I added Sparky, a shorkie puppy, to our family. Engaging in relaxation together, with pets, is a good thing.

Growing up, I never had a dog. I never got "fur parent" mentality. Now, that’s us. Simply put, his furry 9-pound body (at 5 months old), deep eyes, and mischievous nature represent my future life.

He is someone for my wife and I to love, to play chase with, and to spoil. I could mope about all I can’t do anymore, or I can refocus my energy to this bright spot. Really, there’s only one choice. All the while, he just loves us unconditionally as we are his pack.

Whatever keeps you happy, doesn’t hurt others, and pushes away the dark is a good thing! Brighter days!