Living with multiple sclerosis
Fact-checked by If you’re living with multiple sclerosis (MS), you may experience symptoms that make daily life more challenging. However, an MS diagnosis doesn’t have to keep you from working, enjoying hobbies, or staying connected with family and friends.
Practicing self-care, which includes getting regular rest, eating a balanced diet, engaging in gentle exercise, and managing stress, can help you maintain your quality of life.
Building a daily routine
MS symptoms can fluctuate daily or even hourly, sometimes unexpectedly. This variability means that flexible planning and adaptive strategies can help manage common MS symptoms, such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and balance issues.
Strategies for daily living with MS include:
- breaking tasks into small, achievable steps to manage fatigue and improve focus
- using reminders, calendars, or apps for appointments and day-to-day MS management
- scheduling demanding tasks during times of peak energy
- doing chores or exercising when it’s colder outdoors to avoid symptom fluctuations due to heat sensitivity
- taking rest breaks to avoid overexertion and boost energy.
Managing fatigue and energy levels
Fatigue can be a disabling MS symptom that can limit your ability to complete everyday tasks, reduce your physical and mental stamina, and negatively affect your social, school, or work life.
Tips for managing energy levels when living with MS include:
- focusing on high-concentration or physical tasks when energy is highest
- pacing activity with frequent rest breaks
- using assistive devices to conserve energy during mobility and balance-related tasks
- maintaining regular sleep and wake times, avoiding digital screens before bed, and creating a calming bedtime routine.
Exercising and eating well
Exercise and a balanced diet can support your physical health and help manage symptoms.
To eat well and stay active, try:
- engaging in gentle exercises, such as yoga, swimming, Pilates, stretching, and walking, to help with strength, balance, and mood
- working with your MS healthcare team on an exercise plan that suits your needs and preferences
- following a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins, and staying hydrated
- limiting alcohol, as it may interact with medications and worsen some MS symptoms
- using adaptive kitchen and dining tools so you can eat independently
- adopting strategies such as taking smaller bites or minimizing distractions to manage swallowing issues.
Protecting your mental health
Living with MS can sometimes involve grief, frustration, and depression alongside anxiety and mood changes. Recognizing and addressing these emotions through self-care, support groups, or therapy can support your overall mental health.
Coping with the emotional side of living with MS can include:
- practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve mood
- working with a cognitive behavioral therapist to learn strategies to reframe negative thoughts and manage stress and anxiety
- seeking support from mental health professionals and MS peer groups.
Accessing support
Getting support makes managing MS symptoms easier by providing you with helpful resources, emotional encouragement, and practical assistance.
Ways to enlist support can include:
- reaching out to family, friends, and healthcare providers
- discussing accommodations when you’re working with MS to maintain productivity and comfort on the job
- joining MS support groups for encouragement and practical advice.
Additionally, encouraging your caregivers to seek emotional support can help them maintain their well-being. If you are parenting with MS, consider talking with your kids about the disease and seeking help when necessary to support your family life.
Building and maintaining social connections
Connecting with others can offer emotional and practical support. Ways to maintain social connections while respecting your energy and symptoms can include:
- adapting social plans to fit energy levels and symptom fluctuations
- using virtual meetups or smaller gatherings when larger events feel overwhelming
- setting boundaries to protect your emotional and physical health.
Growing older with MS
Thanks to advances in treatment and care, many people with MS are living longer. This means making more choices for managing your condition as you age.
Planning for changes in mobility, cognition, and healthcare needs can include:
- sticking to your MS treatment plan and discussing side effects or changes with your healthcare team
- keeping up with health screenings and reporting new symptoms
- using MS pain management strategies such as medication, physical therapy, and relaxation
- considering future care needs, including financial planning and managing MS accessibility adaptations at home.
By taking proactive steps to care for your body, mind, and relationships, you can navigate daily life with MS while staying engaged in the activities and connections that matter most.
Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
