How to Manage MS with Exercise and Eating Well

By Laura Wells, as instructed to Rachel Reiff Ellis

When I used to be recognized with MS at 39, I’d say my give attention to my well being was sporadic. I had younger youngsters on the time, and my weight loss program and train habits had been everywhere. Before youngsters, I’d jog a number of instances per week, or get on the treadmill or bike. I’d additionally work in some weight coaching. But after the youngsters got here alongside, I now not did a lot common bodily exercise. I used to be targeted extra on my youngsters’ schedules and desires than my very own.

Once the youngsters had been older, I started to have extra time and a focus for wholesome consuming, however my worsening MS signs had been an actual barrier to shifting my physique the way in which I as soon as might. Because of my fatigue and stability points, I might now not jog and even go for lengthy walks. So I began making an attempt to determine what I might do for myself. I made a decision to show to yoga — one thing I used to do years in the past.

I began by going to courses twice per week, however even that obtained exhausting for me, as a result of preserving myself regular is so difficult. I used to be consistently nervous that I’d fall over and embarrass myself making an attempt to do a Standing Warrior pose. And then I found one-on-one classes. My teacher was so good about modifying any pose I wanted assist with. She’d present me easy methods to use a wall or chair for assist. These modifications in my yoga observe meant I might perform a little little bit of train every day, which has turned out to be an necessary key to my well-being. 

When I problem my physique to do small spurts of intentional motion day-after-day, it retains me stronger each mentally and bodily. It’s very simple to go down the rabbit gap fascinated with all of the issues you possibly can’t do when you’ve gotten MS. So if I can do even simply 15 to twenty minutes of yoga a day, it might probably go a great distance.

I’m additionally lucky that I dwell in an space with entry to a bodily therapist who focuses on MS. She’s been superb at displaying me workout routines that may strengthen the weak components of my legs and assist me work on my stability.

When it involves wholesome consuming habits, my philosophy has all the time been the whole lot moderately. I do know lots of people who’ve tried particular diets, however I simply attempt to fill my plate with numerous fruit and veggies and complete grains, and eat fewer packaged and processed meals. My downfall is my candy tooth, which I’ve all the time had. And sugar causes irritation, which may ramp up MS signs. But being conscious of how meals make me really feel helps rather a lot. I do know that I really feel higher after I eat a salad for lunch as an alternative of one thing carb-filled. So I attempt to not overdo it in any unhealthy class.

It’s humorous, as a result of whereas MS has worsened my bodily stability, it’s compelled me to search out stability in my day-to-day life. I’ve all the time been somebody who feels responsible if I’m not doing or serving to, or being productive. But it’s turn into clear that it’s not solely OK to calm down, it’s crucial. Fatigue is among the foremost signs of MS, and being extra aware of my exercise ranges is among the methods I hold my stress low and assist handle that symptom.

It’s now not an choice for me to remain up too late at night time or pack my schedule so full that I don’t have downtime. If I do not take time to take a seat nonetheless and skim or take heed to music, go for a calming stroll, or take a nap, I gained’t be capable of operate. My mind will merely hit a wall. I name it “pea soup brain.” Now, I’m actually good about going to mattress on the identical time each night time, and taking a nap each single day. Not a protracted nap — simply sufficient so my physique can end the remainder of the day robust. I’ve discovered that you must care for your self earlier than you possibly can care for anybody else.

I’ve additionally discovered that it’s necessary to have fun small successes. The extra I can embrace who I’m and what I’m in a position to obtain, the higher my psychological outlook. If I’m in a position to do yet one more set of leg-strengthening workout routines at the moment than I used to be yesterday, that is trigger for celebration. It could not seem like a lot to anyone else. But to me, it’s an accomplishment.