We understand that many questions pop up in your mind about maintaining and increasing your wellness with MS. For example, you might be wondering, do I need any special diet? Do I need to change my life-style? Will exercise help decrease my MS symptoms and is it mandatory in MS?

This post is part of a two-article series on how to increase wellness if you are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing and how you, as an MS patient, can boost your wellness. We also discussed about the foods to avoid and some non-physical components of wellness, including stress, depression, fatigue and brain fog. This post continues that discussion and tries to wrap it up.

Live in the present

Some people love to dream all the time. If you have MS, you might dream about making a few hundred million rupees and then plan to spend that money! Your head will begin to ache after a while. You may also want to spend some time thinking about the bad experiences you have had in the past. You’ll end up getting a headache, along with stress and anxiety after a few minutes.

Live in the present instead of worrying about the past or the future and spending hours fascinating about events which may or may not occur. According to psychotherapist Jeffrey Sumber, “Mental health tends to become challenged when we get sucked into what used to happen or what people ‘did to me’ rather than taking responsibility in what I am doing or creating today, right now.”

Meditate

MSers need meditation to boost their wellness. All you have to do is to sit with your back straight or lie down, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Meditation is helpful in releasing stress and anxiety, improving blood circulation, and relaxing your mind. A clinical psychologist and certified life coach, John Duffy, PsyD, suggests to “Protect a few minutes each day to sit, relax and breathe.”

Accept your emotions

Some people spend their energies on avoiding their emotions. One may feel fear, anger or sadness. It is better to accept those emotions rather than trying to avoid or change them. A clinical psychologist, Ryan Howes, Ph.D, describes the benefits of accepting the emotion in these words, “When you feel safe enough to let your guard down (stop being careful and alert), whether that’s alone or with someone you trust, you can focus on the situation, fully experience the feelings and may then be able to better understand why it hurts and what you want to do about the situation.”

Determine the real cause

It becomes hard to determine whether a problem is the result of MS or not. You may feel dizzy because of reasons other than MS. You may feel lightheaded due to low blood sugar, low blood-pressure (hypotension) dehydration, an ear infection, or any other reason. It’s wise to consult with your doctor and to find out the under lying reason.

Keep track of your thoughts

As an MSer, You don’t want negative thoughts to come near you. Sometimes, negative thoughts are uncontrollable and keep on coming. Try your best to replace those with positive ones. Such thoughts will sink your mood. You will also begin to see those false thoughts as true.

Surround yourself with positive sounds

Yes, we advise you to watch those nasty news shows as little as possible. You don’t want loud voices and abusive comments enter your ears. Instead, spend as much time with your family and friends whom you trust.

As an MS patient, you need to have a healthy mind with a healthy body. Wellness is only a dream without any of these.

Stay tuned for part two of this post on how to boost wellness with MS. Don’t forget to share your experiences below and how you try to boost wellness with MS.