Learning my limits…

Having just returned from the big trip – eight weeks – to the UK and Italy, I reflected on what I had learned about myself.

I definitely have learned to do a bit of a ‘stocktake’ if you like of what my resources look like before agreeing to do anything too physical.

My stocktake may include:

• Have I had enough sleep so I am rested enough?
• If I have had sufficient sleep, but am still feeling fatigued how do I think I might manage a walk ie. up a steep hill which is draining anyway.
• Are my medications working. Did I remember to take them first of all! If they haven’t kicked in, is it wise to pursue an activity that requires a reasonable level of energy?
• Looking at how long I can usually walk for and compare that to the proposed walk. Do I usually manage an hour? If the walk is an hour, remember that I have to return, so I would need to be able to walk for two hours.

So really, it’s about knowing your body and not overstretching to a point where things become too difficult and you can’t continue. Also, remembering that if we are with someone – like my husband – that if something happens to us because we have overstretched our capacity, then that will directly impact on those we are with. It is important to know what level of activity we are comfortable with and what might happen if we overstretch and what supports might be available if that occurs. It is all a learning curve.

If you would like to hear more about this topic, check out ‘My journey with Parkinson’s’ on Spotify, Youtube as the main services that you can find my podcast. I hope you enjoy listening to my podcast and reading my blog.