Tips for Living Well with MS
October 16, 2019 No Comments
Category: Activism, MS, My StoryTags: Living Well with MS, Tips for Living Well with MS, WebMD, multiple sclerosis
Did you know that WebMD has a magazine dedicated to multiple sclerosis? Yup, they do, and it can be a great resource for those living with MS.
A few months ago, I shared my story and tips for living well with multiple sclerosis in their magazine, “Living Better with Multiple Sclerosis”. While everyone with MS is different, I wanted to provide some realistic pointers that others with MS could incorporate into their daily life.
Grab a copy at your neurologist’s office
If you are visiting your neurologist this month, you can check the article in person. The magazine also features some other great articles about how to prepare yourself for your next doctor’s appointment, how to better manage your everyday symptoms, along with pain relief options.
Tips for Living Well with MS
Be aware of your diet
I have found that what I eat affects how I feel, so I stick to whole foods (like protein rich foods with low saturated fats like fish or chicken), and avoid gluten and dairy when I can. I also keep sugar to a minimum.
Find ways to exercise
I try to make it to the gym at 2-3 days a week but that’s not always realistic. If you’re in a bind and can’t make it to the gym, try incorporating a longer walk into your daily routine or choose to take the stairs. A little can go a long way.
Connect with others online
You don’t have to physically meet with others anymore to get support; thanks to social media you can go online and find empathy, support and tips from people who are living with MS. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met through Instagram hashtags that connect me to like-minded people with MS.
Find ways to lower your stress
Whether that’s taking breaks from work to around the block, meditating for 10 minutes or doing yoga, you need to find coping mechanisms for stress. Stress brings on symptoms so it needs to be controlled.
Keep a positive mental attitude
One of my favorite phrases is, “thoughts become things, so pick the good ones.” Believing you’ll be okay is the first step to making it happen.
