1. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Staying positive can be an exhausting battle when you're facing the daily unpredictability of multiple sclerosis, but it's a battle worth fighting. Remaining connected with friends and family, cultivating a hobby, eating healthy and engaging in symptom-appropriate exercise will help make your life better. Though it takes work, strive to be happy in the midst of your illness. If you need to vent, keep a journal to write down your frustrations. Force yourself to adjust your attitude as you finish your entry and close the book, though. Perpetual negativity can severely impact your already-fragile physical health.
2. Be Proactive
While multiple sclerosis can ravage your nervous system, don't let it get the best of the rest of you. If you are beginning to struggle with activities you enjoy, talk to a physician for advice on overcoming physical limitations. Meet with an occupational therapist to find out about adaptive devices that could improve your mobility or make self-care simpler. Be willing to ask others for help with daily tasks so that you can reserve precious energy for the most important things--family, friends and hobbies.
3. Manage Your Time and Avoid Overscheduling
Become a careful time manager. Take note of when feel the most energetic, and schedule activities and errands during that time. Plan one or more periods of rest into your day, as well, realizing that your energy will probably fade. If you're invited to an event but are physically unable to make it, learn to respond with a guilt-free "no." Above all, don't be afraid of a change in plans. MS requires flexibility and a willingness to put your physical needs first.
4. Protect Yourself From the Heat
If you've been diagnosed for long, there's a good chance you've fought with overheating. Heat intolerance in MS rears its head with a temporary increase in symptoms--often bothersome enough to want to make patients hide in the air conditioning. Take precautions if you need to go out in the heat or spend time in a place that lacks adequate air conditioning. Buy a cooling vest to wear over your clothes, or bring a misting fan with you to cool off your body. Drink plenty of water, and make a point of resting after overheating until your body temperature returns to normal. Make friends and family aware of your heat intolerance so they'll be less likely to plan a day at the beach or a walk or wheelchair stroll on a summer afternoon.
5. Talk With a Counselor
Find a therapist who has experience counseling MS patients. You may be facing physical difficulties, emotional struggles, or the psychological battle that comes with a loss of control, independence and lowered self-image. Trained counselors can help you express your frustration, anger and sadness, and will offer coping strategies, realistic goals and, most importantly, an impartial listening ear. Do not fall into the trap that therapy is only for people with severe psychological issues. Seeing a psychologist and social worker may be a critical step in helping you regain emotional control of your life when you're challenged with daily instability.
