The Hardest Part Can Be Starting: Parkinson’s and That First Step

You know you need to get up.

You want to get up.

You are perfectly capable of getting up.

But for some reason, you are still sitting there.

Or perhaps you’re standing at the bottom of the stairs.

You know where you’re going.

Yet beginning feels disproportionately difficult.

Maybe the washing needs putting away, you need to get dressed, make lunch, go outside or start getting ready for an appointment.

Once you’re doing it, you may be fine.

It is that first movement — that transition from not doing to doing — that can sometimes feel like the biggest hurdle.

For people living with Parkinson’s, this can be a very real part of everyday life.

And from the outside, it can be easily misunderstood.

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The Two Comfort Zones of Parkinson’s

Why Getting Up Can Be the Hardest Part

Recently, the founder of Hullbridge Parkinson’s Cafe made a simple observation about living with Parkinson’s.

“With Parkinson’s, you have two comfort zones: your bed and your favourite chair.”

It was said from experience.

And the more you think about it, the more it makes sense.

Your bed is warm, familiar and safe.

Your favourite chair supports you in exactly the right places.

Once you’re settled, you’re comfortable.

And when Parkinson’s can make movement require more effort than it once did, sometimes the hardest part isn’t the activity itself.

It’s deciding to get up and start.

Read more “The Two Comfort Zones of Parkinson’s”