I’m a sound guy. I like to listen (though my wife would disagree). My affinity comes from a long background working in radio. Using words, sound effects and music to evoke emotions – that was my gig. It also helps having ears the size of a satellite dish. And no, I cannot get Direct TV – hardy har har.
Since relaxation is the August theme of MS Conversations, I found it fitting to compile a list of Continue reading
That’s funny, relax with MS. Like being drawn and quartered is relaxing. It is possible, I think, to kick back. We often hear about not relaxing and it’s negative effects. Easier said than done. I know.
For me, I relax by trying several things. First, don’t beat yourself up. MS stinks for us all. Just acknowledge that fact. Distraction is a great way to relax.
I admit to putting myself in a “show-hole” frequently. I fall into those Continue reading
It’s interesting to me that the same task can feel stressful sometimes and relaxing others. It really shows that it’s not about what I’m doing, rather it’s how I feel when I’m anticipating or doing it. It’s how I judge the task in the moment.
Needing to cook dinner after a long workday may feel like one more burdensome thing that needs to be done, while spending hours in the kitchen baking or creating a new dish on a weekend might be a therapeutic activity resembling meditation for the focus and relaxation I feel.
The same can be true for Continue reading
By Penelope ConwaySummer used to be my favorite time of year. A time to spend in the sun, taking a trip to the beach, going fishing at the local fishing hole, spending time swimming at the lake, enjoying concerts in the park, and so many other activities that just pop up and sound fun to do. For me, those things are no longer something I look forward to being a part of. My summer has become one more of staying inside with the air conditioner blasting and me hoping for cool days to come soon.
My multiple sclerosis body has a Continue reading
You made it! You are halfway through summer without a hitch. Okay well, beside searing your thighs on the hot lawn chair, you made it.
Here are a few pointers to get your through the rest of the season…
Hit The Floor
You don’t need a gym membership to exercise. Just get down on the floor (carpeted, by the way). Roll around. Lift your legs. Flail your arms. Sit up. Twist side to side. Push yourself up, over and get back down again. How you move doesn’t matter—just move! You’ll give yourself the perfect Continue reading
During some of the hottest days of the year, one of the best ways to cool down (and support MSAA at the same time) is to participate in our Swim for MS initiative! Swim for MS is a do-it-yourself fundraiser where you create your own individual or group swim challenge and recruit donations to support the MS community. Past participants have created cannonball jumping contests, backyard pool parties, stand-up paddleboard contests, and more to raise funds for MSAA’s free programs and services.
Team Strong Girls Swim, made up of mother and daughter duo, Sara and Anabella, decided that they Continue reading
I slept horribly the other night and decided to sleep in because a tired brain is a dysfunctional brain. I had nothing planned that next day to wake up early for and realized that this would be a great day to be lazy. I am not sure what caused my unrest though I lay all night with busy mind syndrome. Sadly the chaos that was to ensue would not allow the extra slumber that I so wanted. This terrible technological turmoil would not allow the excess rest to calm my brain that I desperately desired. Continue reading
I used to love summer.
As a Jersey girl, I spent my summers “down the shore.”
But since my MS diagnosis the warmth of the sun is something I avoid… and straight up fear somedays.
I also hate the heat that summer temps bring to my workouts. I get so easily overheated. My danger zone is when it’s hot enough to raise my internal body temperature but not hot enough for me to break a sweat.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful that I can exercise as it’s something that brings me Continue reading
In a conversation with coworkers years ago, one person reflected on his summers spent in their backyard pool in California. I responded with excitement and jealousy that he had his own pool when all I had was a bike! Another coworker who grew up in Hong Kong, exclaimed with awe, “You had a bike?!?”
Wow. I laughed at my own ignorance to my privilege. To think she grew up in a large city and didn’t have a bike at all made me realize just how special it was Continue reading
Let me see, MS has pretty much taken summer hostage for many MSers. Some things we can in fact re-claim, with modifications. We have to learn to put our own spin on things.
Plan, plan, plan. You kind of have to go into a situation knowing all your options and the “what if.” The “Last-minute Lucy” folks won’t like this. Know your own body.
With three Boy Scouts at home, the moto of “Always Be Prepared” rings true for most MS folks. Remember the heat is usually not our friend. Summer means heat. Heat means Continue reading