The Parkinson's Mind–Body Connection
- Dr. Alex Armitage
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
By Dr. Alex Armitage, DNP, CNL, APRN, FNP-BC, Passionate advocate for holistic well-being.
If you live with Parkinson’s disease — or care for someone who does — you’ve likely noticed something important:
When stress rises, symptoms often follow.
Tremor may worsen.Muscles feel tighter.Movement slows.There may be a sense of internal restlessness or “shaking” that’s hard to describe.
This isn’t weakness.And it isn’t “all in your head.”
It’s the mind–body connection, and in Parkinson’s, it’s very real.
Why stress affects Parkinson’s symptoms
The parts of the brain that regulate movement, mood, and motivation are closely connected. Dopamine plays a role in all three.
When dopamine signaling is disrupted:
Movement can become slower or more rigid
Emotional regulation becomes more fragile
The nervous system stays on higher alert
Add chronic stress, and cortisol levels rise. Elevated cortisol can:
Increase muscle tension
Worsen fatigue
Amplify tremor and rigidity
Intensify that internal sense of agitation many people describe
This is why emotional stress so often shows up physically in Parkinson’s.
Anxiety can be a “wearing-off” symptom
This is something I want people to hear clearly.
Anxiety, restlessness, or unease can sometimes signal that Parkinson’s medication is losing effect before the next dose — what we call wearing off.
If you notice:
Anxiety appearing at predictable times
Symptoms easing after the next dose
Restlessness without a clear emotional trigger
Keep a simple log:
Time of medication
When symptoms start
When they improve
Sharing this with your neurologist can lead to meaningful adjustments in timing or dosing.
This is not something you should just “push through.”
Gentle ways to calm the nervous system (and the body)
These are not about perfection or discipline.They are about supporting your nervous system — especially during off times or stressful moments.
🌬️ Breathing to reset the system
Try square breathing:
Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds (as if smelling a rose)
Hold for 4
Exhale through your mouth for 4 (as if blowing out a candle)
Hold for 4
Repeat for one minute.
This simple pattern signals safety to the brain and helps relax muscle tension.
🎧 I have a guided audio for square breathing on my website where I walk you through this calmly and step-by-step — easy to do anywhere, even in public.
🧘 Grounding through the body
Sit in a comfortable position, keeping your back straight and your gaze soft
Feel your connection to the floor
Bring your attention to your breath
As you exhale, bring your hands together at chest level and allow your shoulders to soften
Stay in this position until your breath stabilizes
This is one of the gentlest forms of yoga — not about poses, but about uniting breath, awareness, and body.
🕯️ Mindfulness or prayer
Even five minutes of stillness, gratitude, or quiet reflection can:
Slow the heart rate
Reduce muscle tension
Create emotional spaciousness
Think of it as allowing yourself to be a receptive vessel — not striving, just being. Be open, still and just listen.
🎶 Gentle rhythm
Music and rhythm matter in Parkinson’s.
Swaying gently
Walking to a steady beat
Humming or tapping
These can help release stiffness and encourage smoother movement.
🌿 Creating calm spaces
Small environmental shifts can have big effects:
Dim lighting
Pleasant, familiar scents (lavender or sandalwood)
Time outdoors
Reducing background noise
Less sensory overload allows the nervous system to settle.
A final thought: Mind and Body Connection
Parkinson’s does not affect just one part of you.
It affects body, mind, and spirit.
When we learn to calm one, we often support the others.
If this resonates, I invite you to explore the guided breathing and relaxation tools available on my website — created specifically with Parkinson’s in mind.
You are not broken.Your nervous system is asking for support — and that is something we can gently offer.
Living with Parkinson’s is not something to be managed once — it’s something navigated over time. Support works best when it’s steady, trustworthy, and easy to return to.
In the coming months, Inyanga Health will be expanding into a space where people living with Parkinson’s — and those who love them — can access deeper education, guided tools, and a supportive community grounded in whole-person care.
For now, you’re always welcome to explore the growing library of resources at www.inyangahealth.com under the guides tab
This space is being built with you in mind.
