In my work with people living with Parkinson’s, I have met patients who have experienced anxiety for much of their lives and noticed it worsening after diagnosis. Others describe something entirely new — a wave of worry that makes even a familiar gathering feel overwhelming.

Sometimes, small everyday stressors can feel bigger than they once did. Anxiety is not a personal weakness. It deserves care and attention.

How can we ease it, even slightly?

One helpful place to start, my friend, is movement.

Regular physical activity can help ease anxiety. Choose something you enjoy and can do safely: a walk, gentle stretching, dancing, or a Parkinson’s-adapted exercise class. Ask your healthcare team for guidance when starting something new.

Match the activity to your energy. You may enjoy quiet, gentle yoga or a more active session. The goal is to find something you want to return to — not another task to feel guilty about.

As you move, gently notice your breathing, your feet touching the ground, or the rhythm of the activity. You do not have to force anxious thoughts away. Give your attention somewhere else to rest for a moment.

Create an environment that feels comforting.

Try soft lighting, familiar music, or a quiet space. If you enjoy aromatherapy, explore scents that feel comforting to you. Basil and pine are my personal favorites — I find their scents calming. You might prefer lavender or another gentle fragrance. Skip anything that irritates your breathing or gives you a headache.

Remember to hydrate.

Drink water around exercise and follow any fluid guidance from your healthcare team. Hydration is part of caring for your body, particularly when activity causes sweating.

With practice, a familiar movement routine may become one tool you reach for when anxiety rises. Some days it will help more than others, and that is okay.

If anxiety tends to appear before your next Parkinson’s medication dose, write down the timing and discuss it with your provider. Anxiety can accompany “off” periods. Persistent anxiety may also benefit from counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and sometimes medication.

You do not have to manage this alone.

Start gently. Find one small moment of calm, and build from there.

Good luck, my friend.