Great point Emily. I'd be lying if I said it was easy and I certainly don't have a well defined, easy to follow process in place but the almost immediate rewards and ability to reduce my levadopa (with my MDs approval} has made it worth the effort. I use my phone to assist me with the timing of my meds and eating.
I've fallen into a morning routine since I'm retired that allows for stretching exercises for 15 min, then 15+/_ time for prayer/relaxation/meditation in the morning.
Stretching with Silver Sneakers at 1230 because by then, the stiffness is beginning to return. Then 15 min on my recumbent bike, 15 more min of stretching and more meditation/prayer before bed,
In between, I clean, garden, read, plan menus and schedule grocery deliveries because I don't drive anymore and lastly cook for 2-3 days at a time. I'm making the transition to a basic Mediterranean diet with very little sugar, meat and diary and I take a pre- and probiotic supplement each day to help improve GI health.
Lastly, I am reading and doing more brain work each day.
I know this sounds like a lot but I did it one change at a time and journaled the change in symptoms. I am encouraged to continue the changes that seem to improve my day and try to stay current with the research about ways to improve PD symptoms. I've been able to be consistent with my drive to learn and do more for a couple of reasons and to be honest, my day now looks completely different than 9 yrs ago when 1st diagnosed and 1 yr ago when I realized the profound effect depression and anxiety was having on my mood, temperament, patience and cognitive abilities. After a yr of working with a very attentive, patient and persistent psychiatrist, I am on the right anti-depressant and anti-anxiety meds. Now I can hope more, learn more, try more, laugh more and do more. As an aside, my dog barked at me last week when I laughed out loud last week because she had never heard me do that before. I realized, I haven't laughed in years and now I laugh almost everyday and my dog is getting used to it (lol).
It has been very slow going but just as this disease is progressive, I'm finding I do have some ability to control its progression, reduce my off time and improve my quality of life while waiting for a cure or being called Home.
I thought I would have purpose after retirement and became hopeless after PD 'took at from me'. I have purpose again- I can improve my own circumstances, share my journey and support others on their journey.
If you are ready- let's get going on improving this journey together!!!!
Sorry for the long post. I understand if you remove me from your team (lol).
Maria

So happy to see that I am not singing to myself! If there is just 1 thing you change or begin to manage/advocate for your health, please let it be starting and maintaining a journal! As Theodora said, your doctor will love you for it.
Thank you for joining 'the club' and validating my sanity Theodora!
Maria

Keeping a journal has been of tremendous value both for me and my medical team. Seeing where you have been helps determine where you can go. My Drs always ask to see what I have written and it helps determine what I need. I am truly a part of my treatment. Be your own best advocate!
🌈TheaD

Thank you Martin. I'm happy to hear you are putting God and your safe use of your walker at the top of your list.
Blessings for you as well Martin. Stay healthy and in touch with all of us .
Maria

I have read what everyone wrote and agree. I am having a very hard time staying on my feet without tremors starting and I have to seat in my walker for awhile. Wanting to start something to help meselg and my brother and sisters. Maria I can not leave God out of it. 🤗🤗. Love ya sister