Good versus bad days, I used to believe that we make our days what they are through our attitudes, but as I age, I realize that isn’t always true. While my thoughts do impact my actions, there are days when I am tired, or achy or just out of sorts and those are difficult things to work through. No amount of positive self talk can get me through if I haven’t slept the night before, I just need a nap.

My husband also has good versus bad days as well as days when the effectiveness of his medications fluctuates. Again, these changes have little to do with his attitude and much more to do with the physical challenges he faces. He may wake up feeling great but then, without warning, things change and we have a difficult afternoon or evening. The impacts of PD are so unpredictable and no one really has an answer about what actually causes him to have good versus bad days.

What we do find helpful is for both of us to check in and see how the other is feeling. Being able to communicate when things start to go downhill gives us the chance to make changes to our day. If we are having a “bad day” then we lighten up the load. Maybe we skip our exercises or let go of some of the chores. Sometimes we will decide to take the entire day off and instead go to a movie or out for a hike. We both know that surviving today is our immediate goal and we have the hope that tomorrow will be different and better.

For more information about good versus bad days in Parkinson’s Disease check out this article from the WPC blog entitled “Good Days and Bad Days with Parkinson’s Disease” .