Keep exercising through the darker winter days

Feeling like you’re in the dark more these days?

You are – literally. The switch from Daylight Saving Time, along with the days getting shorter, has left most Americans with little to no evening sunlight. 

And that can make it a challenge to keep up an exercise routine. 

This is especially true for people with Parkinson’s disease. We already struggle with interrupted sleep, see-sawing energy levels, and strict medication skeds. When the time change happens, we active-types can get messed up.

Exercise is a Parkinson’s therapy that will benefit almost anyone with the disease. It’s been proven to ease symptoms, strengthen muscles that keep us upright, and improve balance.

Barring an act of Congress, the annual switch to Standard Time is here to stay. So let’s look at ways to stay active in the coming months.

Exercising during the winter

Here are some suggestions to keep the momentum going. Not all will work for everyone, but perhaps you will find something to think about.

Change your timing

If you have a job and work 9-5, take an afternoon break to get outside for a walk or bike ride, and then work later to make up the time.

Exercise in the morning

“But I’m a night person,” you say. I was once, too, but since Parkinson’s barged into my routine and wakes me up at 4 or 5 a.m., I’ve learned not to fight it. Now, when I can’t get back to sleep, I try to use those early hours to do other things so I’ll have time to exercise (or take a nap!) later in the day.

Try light therapy

Seasonal Affective Disorder is real. People with Parkinson’s – who are more susceptible to depression than others – can benefit from light therapy to boost energy, stabilize circadian rhythms, and bring back a happy face. Consult with your doctor first.

Get a gym membership

Many places will allow you to sign up for just the winter months. I guarantee you’ll find an elliptical or treadmill or stationary bike with your name on it there.

Join a fitness class

Imagine yourself in a toasty, well-lit room on a cold winter day, surrounded by people feeling good about moving through tai chi, yoga, spinning, boxing, pilates or something else. Try a new exercise!

Stick with outdoor exercise, with care

If you a determined to exercise outdoors and evenings are your only option, protect your safety. Wear a jacket with reflector tape, have a flashlight or headlamp, and stay in well-lit areas for walks or runs. (I wouldn’t recommend bike rides.)

A note about hiking

Winter hikes can be glorious: the crisp air, the sunlight dancing on snow, the muted noises, the feeling of hand warmers inside your mittens. But don’t get so bedazzled that you forget to leave enough time to turn around and go back. Dusk arrives quickly, especially in mountains.

Put a headlamp and extra clothing layers in a backpack. People with Parkinson’s often see their symptoms go into high gear when they’re not dressed for the cold.

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Top photo by Miraxh Tereziu.