Self-Care and MS
Tips and Advice from the MS Community
Leading with Self-Love
“It’s very important for me to put myself first. Self-care is also a form of self-love in the MS community.”
Christina’s journey with MS began in 2016. As she tried to balance her symptoms, school, work, family, and friends, she realized self-care was a critical part of her journey. From hydration, to rest, to spending time with the people (and pets!) she loves, finding a balanced self-care practice helps her to show up for herself and her loved ones as well.
“Hydration’s very important to me. I also take breaks when I need to, especially if I’m dealing with any flare-ups like fatigue. I’ll stop and take a nap when I need to and then continue with my day. Being with my cat is a form of therapy for me. She brings me a lot of joy.”
Life with MS can be a rollercoaster of emotions—some days are filled with victories, while others may be challenging. As Christina mentions, it’s important to show yourself compassion and acknowledge your feelings. Don’t be too hard on yourself!
“It’s ok to be strong, and when battling MS we have to be strong. We have no choice. But there are times where we have our days and our episodes where we're not okay. And that's fine too. Your feelings are valid. Take time to support yourself. Do it for you.”
Navigating MS can have its challenges – physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and socially. For many members of our community, self-care is an important aspect of managing their MS. From community connection and self-reflection, to setting boundaries, regular exercise, and more, we’re sharing self-care practices from members of our community along with other tips and tools that may help your own MS journey.
No is a Full Sentence
Putting your own needs first sometimes mean setting boundaries. For Karen, diagnosed with MS in 2020, learning to listen to her body and say “no” when needed, is key when it comes to her self-care and wellness.
“I've come to understand that at times, I need to prioritize myself. Because I want to be everything to everyone, I deplete my energy. I have to be able to say no and not feel guilty. I need to have a conversation with my body and determine how I can live my best life.
I’ve learned that self-care for people living with MS is a necessity. It’s not a privilege or a luxury. It really is self-preservation. My life is much fuller, more positive, and rewarding because I’m thinking about myself.”
It’s easy to spread ourselves thin, especially when dealing with a chronic illness. It can be hard juggling different roles and expectations. Like Karen mentions, it’s important to recognize your limits and put your health first.
Self-awareness is a crucial aspect of prioritizing your health and well-being. It isn't just about managing your symptoms.
Listening to Your Body
“My instinct is to give a lot of energy to everything. I've learned I need to be more conscious of dividing my energy and prioritizing what takes energy and what I give that energy to. I’m really aware of when my body is telling me I need to rest, and when I’m maybe giving too much.”
As Imaan notes, being aware of your body’s needs is a healthy practice and benefits all areas of our lives. It can be hard to set healthy boundaries when you don’t know your needs. Listening to your body and becoming more self-aware takes time.
“In this life we are gifted only one body. And every body is different, with unique superpowers and faults. What works or did work for another body, may not work the same for your body. Your relationship to your body is the longest lasting relationship you will ever have. So as much as you focus on other relationships, as much as you listen to others and learn from others – build that same level of connection, give that same energy and time to the relationship you have with the body you’re in. Listen to it, learn from it. Your body is constantly communicating with you. Often our bodies know what they need, we just have to hear it to be able to accept it and then be willing to give it what it needs and asks for.”
Read more of Imaan’s self-care tips in Vita Magazine.
Expect the Unexpected
“I try to eat healthy, exercise often, visit my doctor regularly, and go for a monthly massage. MS is a very unpredictable, episodic disease, so I keep a journal about things I experience so I can tell my doctor the next time I see her in case I forget.”
Barb’s strength and resilience help her adapt to her symptoms as needed. She faces challenges head-on, knowing that each day might look different for her.
“Living with an unpredictable episodic disease means that I need to be strong emotionally and physically so I can overcome any challenges the day might bring. I’m stronger than I ever thought. I look to the future with joy and hope because I know we’re going to find a cure for MS.”
Balance is Key
Kelly-Ann's approach to self-care includes a balance of self-expression, mindful rest, and embracing her true self.
“I’ve learned not to take my mobility for granted. I took up dancing and it made me so happy and allowed me to express myself through my body—something I would have totally taken for granted before. So, in a weird way, that's become my self-care.
I listen to my body a lot and rest when necessary, because I'm always worried about having a relapse. Living with MS has taught me to really get to know myself, to listen to my body, to listen to other people as well, to be more compassionate, to just be a better human being.
MS is an invisible disease at times. People look at you and they think, ‘she should be able to do X, Y, Z,’ or ‘why is she tired now’, or whatever the case is. I spent so many years trying to hide my symptoms and I've learned to just embrace who I am, be open, and not hide myself anymore."
Building Your Support Network
For many people, community is a major part of self-care. Sometimes you just need to reach out to someone else for support and guidance. Someone who gets it. Marc, whose husband Richard lives with MS, speaks to the important role of support and community connection:
“Everybody’s support system looks different. We’re very lucky that we have a beautiful family that supports us and friends that are extremely understanding. But not everyone has that. Access to mental health supports, those groups, those online chats, are so useful. It can be a scary thing to just even open up and go to a support group, but it’s so worth it.
It's about connecting with people who are really within your experience, what you're going through right now. And then talking to people who have more experience, and you start to build up a little community.”
Many of us feel our best when we’re connected with people who we can be ourselves around—friends, family, or peers. The uncertainty of life with MS can be easier to navigate with a community who have your back. For many people, community is a major part of self-care.
If you’re looking to make connections in the MS community, we can help! You’re not alone in your MS journey.
Nurturing your well-being is more than just managing symptoms. It can be an approach to self-care that balances physical, emotional, and shared elements. Remember that this journey is uniquely yours. By building a sustainable routine, engaging with the supportive MS community, and advocating for positive change, we move beyond management—we thrive.
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