If you’ve recently received a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, you are in good company. 2.3 million people worldwide are living and thriving with this condition. While any new diagnosis can be overwhelming at first, know that MS is manageable with medication and lifestyle changes.
The key to living a happy life with multiple sclerosis is to build a strong, encouraging support system. Your medical team, friends, and family will all play a role in helping you remain active and independent. There are many other things you can do to improve your quality of life, too.
We’ve created this guide to help you stay healthy, active, and mobile while managing a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Continue reading to learn our top tips for finding joy with MS.
Tips for Managing Your Multiple Sclerosis
An interesting fact about multiple sclerosis is that no two people will have the same experience of the disease. It’s common for two people to share an MS diagnosis and have completely unique symptoms. With that said, there are many lifestyle tips and tricks that can improve your overall quality of life.
Keep Cool
Many people with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis find that hot weather makes some of their symptoms more challenging. Be sure your home has working air conditioning.
When going out in the heat, it can be helpful to bring along cooling devices. Consider a cooling vest or neck wrap for day trips in the Spring or Summer months.
Having cold water (and cold treats, like popsicles) on hand is helpful when you need to cool down quickly. If nothing else, it’s a great excuse to enjoy ice cream on a warm day!
Stay Active
One of the top multiple sclerosis pain management tips is to get active! Boosting your flexibility, strength, and balance can help you with many common symptoms. Best of all, you don’t need to be a marathon runner or champion weightlifter to reap the benefits. Even gentle activities such as gardening, walking, and swimming can help with pain.
Your doctor or physical therapy team can help you find physical activities that are a good match for your fitness level.
Get Quality Sleep
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS. You can combat this by practicing good sleep hygiene. It can be helpful to create and stick to a relaxing bedtime routine.
Aim to do evening tasks in the same order each night. You can also aim to turn off screens at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime. That can help ensure you get a full night of sleep each night.
Eat Nutritious Food
MS is a chronic condition. The more vitamins and nutrients you put into your body, the better you’ll feel from day to day. Eating right provides your body with energy and can help you beat fatigue. A balanced diet is even helpful for reducing inflammation in your body, which can help you manage your pain.
You don’t need to change your diet entirely to enjoy the benefits of healthier eating. Focus on hydration, increasing your fiber, and incorporating more omega-3 fatty acids. You’ll reduce pain, boost energy, and generally feel better.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Invite friends and family members to help you rearrange things in your house for your convenience. You might want to install some lower shelves for items you need to access frequently. Move heavy, high-use items onto counters, where you can access them without having to lift anything.
Likewise, there are many helpful ergonomic tools out there that can help make daily tasks a little easier. They may be easier to grip or help with bending or reaching. You can purchase everything from adaptive keyboards to electric jar openers. A walking coach, like NexStride, helps many individuals remain independent while out and about. Nexstride attaches to any cane, walker or walking poles, enhancing the efficacy of walk aids.
These devices can help you reduce everyday stress!
Manage Your Multiple Sclerosis with NexStride
In some people, a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis can lead to challenges with mobility. It’s common for MS to impact your balance.
Occasionally, MS can cause cognitive effects. You might have trouble understanding your location in space. These same symptoms can sometimes change the way you approach problems or make decisions.
All these things make individuals with MS strong candidates for NexStride.
NexStride is a walking coach that can help people with MS remain independent. It uses light and sound to help your brain maintain a rhythm. This can help with everything from balance to cognitive challenges. To learn more, you can call (805)-779-3558 or use the live chat to speak to a representative.