1. Refuse to Be Defined by Disease
While it is not prudent to deny reality or neglect medical care when you have a chronic illness, remember that you are not defined by your disease. Shift your focus to the positive things in life, and be stubborn about it. You did not choose to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but you can choose to engage in activities and relationships that empower you and allow you to live in the moment. Manage your fatigue and plan activities when you are most energetic, remembering that rest is essential to maintaining physical, mental and emotional health. Avoid dwelling on your disease, however. Repeat to yourself: "MS is part of my life, but it is not the core of who I am."
2. Nurture Relationships With Family and Friends
Research shows that healthy friendships and family connections lower stress levels, improve quality of life and may even boost the immune system--great news for those battling chronic illness. Avoid isolating yourself. Remember that even if you're not up to attending a dinner party or social event, you can pick up the telephone without overexerting. Nurture healthy relationships with friends who care for you unconditionally, and be cautious of friendships that drain your already-delicate energy levels. Friends should renew and empower you and enrich your life. If you're faced with a friend whose criticism, attitude or self-focus are depleting your reserves, it may be time to part ways.
3. Pursue a Hobby You're Passionate About
Hobbies are a therapeutic way of reducing stress levels, lifting your mood and renewing your spirit. Select a hobby based upon your skills and interests. Whether it's cooking, bird watching, yoga, poetry or music, hobbies also create shared opportunities for friendship and connection with others who have common interests. Pursue a hobby that you look forward to, but not one that requires too much tedious focus to be enjoyable. If your pastime becomes more daunting than liberating, seek a new outlet for your creativity. Hobbies should take your mind off of frustrating symptoms--not draw attention to them.
4. Exercise to Relieve Stress and Increase Fitness
The short-term benefit of exercise is that it releases endorphins and adrenaline known to elevate your mood, and the long-term benefits are even better. Studies have consistently shown that MS patients reap physical, mental and emotional rewards from regular physical fitness activities. If mobility prevents you from walking or riding a bike, try pool therapy or wheelchair yoga. On days when your strength is waning, exchange your dumbbells for soup cans. Don't obsess about intensity and workout length. Instead, approach exercise as a way to combat your disease--one workout at a time.
5. Develop a Prayer or Meditation Ritual
Prayer and meditation are used by people in many cultures to connect with their personal faith, promote good health and focus on relaxation and deep breathing. Studies of brain waves during meditation reveal an increase in alpha waves, known to accompany a calming of the nervous system. Regular prayer, meditation and reflection can improve physical and spiritual well-being, as well as help those dealing with MS cope with the unpredictable symptoms of their disease. If you're not comfortable with the spiritual side of meditation, try some deep breathing exercises instead. While breathing in deeply through your nose, visualize negative thoughts, stress or pain being pushed out of your body with each forcible exhale through the mouth. Repeat this breathing exercise until you are able to achieve a sense of calm and increased energy.
