PD “Support Team”: Fill Up Your Emotional Tank!

It’s April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month. During this month, there are a lot of fundraisers and public awareness and education campaigns. But I’d like to pause for a moment and celebrate the Parkinson’s “Support Team”—the loving partners, family members, and caregivers operating behind the scenes who so often exhaust themselves with tasks, worry, and run their own tanks empty.

Parkinson’s affects every single member of the family. I get to know the many brave support families through my classes, social events, and volunteering. They are truly amazing.

Support comes in a variety of forms—scheduling doctor and therapy appointments, driving to appointments, physical and emotional support, taking care of other family members, cooking, running errands, the list goes on. Whatever role you play on this continuum of care, you must also take care of yourself!

Many supporters feel overwhelmed and don’t think they have time. However, if you don’t take the time for yourself, you will burn out, and you won’t be able to care for your loved ones. Remember that you need to “put on your own oxygen mask before you assist others.” It’s not being selfish.

Fill Up Your Emotional Tank

The key to taking care of yourself is to know what you need to fill up your tank when you’re getting low. Try this easy exercise:

List five things that fill you up, energize you, and/or that you have fun doing for each category below. Do at least one of these activities once a day – even if it’s just 10 minutes. Who doesn’t have 10 minutes?  Write down:

• 5 things you can do in under 10 minutes. Some examples: Call a friend, go for a walk, read, journal, play with a pet.
• 5 things you can do in 10-30 minutes. Examples: Write, take a walk, do crafts, find a recipe, take a virtual course, mini spa treatment, take a nap, listen to or play music.
• 5 things you can do that take over 30 minutes. Some ideas: Shop, have lunch with a friend, do art, read, golf, drive somewhere new, go to a movie, go to the beach, hike, spend time with grandchildren, etc.

I use exercise to keep my emotional tank full, but I also feel the need to be creative. When I’d talk about my art projects, people’s reaction often would be, “When do you have time to do that?” My first instinct was to feel guilty about taking time for myself. However, I quickly realized it was a positive reaction—amazement and admiration that I was taking care of my emotional needs despite my busy schedule. Please beware of falling into the guilt trap. You must take time for yourself!

Here are some things my fighters’ support partners have found to fill up their tank.

Linda B. started quilting and it changed her life.

Some do fun things with their sweethearts. Couples use my boxing classes as a “date” several times a week. They dance and sing in class and go out for lunch afterward.

Some spouses started painting classes for something they can do together.

Remember: the better you take care of yourself, the more you can give to everyone else!

💜 Coach Kimberly