Nature is such an important part of our world. While I am not fond of the bugs that call it home, I appreciate the beauty and all the resources nature provides. Did you know that nature can help us with stress management? This is known by a variety of names, including nature therapy, ecotherapy, and green therapy. Regardless of the name, it refers to the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature.
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We are living in a fast-paced world and to fit ourselves in society, we dive right into the whole rigamarole often forgetting that stressing over something that we cannot control is not going to improve the situation. Everyone has their threshold of handling stress. When you start noticing subtle signs like changes in appetite, breathing, energy levels, sleep, etc., that is your body’s signal to slow down. Don’t let stress take control over your life, rather figure out ways to combat it. It is rather easy to get overwhelmed, so the next time you feel bogged down by stress, keep these tips handy:
Continue readingStress is unfortunately inevitable. We all can experience stress in some form, and it can manifest itself into physical and further emotional distress as well. Multiple sclerosis patients especially can experience stress or anxiety when it comes to managing their diagnosis. Managing stress is important for MS patients to help prevent relapses and to strengthen their immune response.
“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” – Khalil Gibran
To better manage anxiety and stress, a great place to start is with our thoughts. Often, our thoughts and worries lead down a deeper hole of anxiety. Take a minute to think about the top stressors in your life right now. If your mind goes to the “what-if,” then begin to shift it to the “what can.” The “what-if” is what easily spirals our thoughts. Focusing on what can be done about it in the here and now is a more productive way of thinking. We also forget to think about what is the best thing that can happen!
Continue readingVivir con esclerosis múltiple (EM) conlleva desafíos únicos, y tomar las riendas de nuestra vida puede significar algo diferente para cada persona. Las personas que tienen un sentido de control sobre su vida son más propensas a asumir responsabilidad y a hacer los cambios necesarios para gestionar mejor su bienestar. Por otro lado, si creemos que las cosas están completamente fuera de nuestro alcance, es posible que tengamos menos motivación para hacer cambios saludables. Aunque la EM puede ser impredecible, hay muchas maneras de recuperar y mantener un sentido de control sobre nuestras vidas y asumir una actitud proactiva sobre nuestra salud.
Es fundamental reconocer que existe una diferencia entre lo que está dentro y fuera de nuestro control. Aunque podemos influir en nuestros pensamientos, emociones y comportamientos, no siempre podemos controlar nuestro cuerpo, a los demás, el tiempo o nuestro entorno. La siguiente ilustración representa las cosas que normalmente están bajo nuestro control y algunas que pueden estar fuera de nuestro alcance.
Entre las cosas que están bajo nuestro control se incluyen:
Puede que no tengamos control sobre ciertas cosas como lo que piensan los demás, el clima y la respuesta de nuestro cuerpo a ciertos tratamientos, pero sí tenemos el poder de dar forma a nuestra propia historia a partir de ahora. Es natural sentir frustración o desesperanza cuando nos enfrentamos a cosas que no podemos controlar, pero siempre hay una opción. Tenemos el poder de tomar decisiones sobre nuestros cuerpos, decisiones médicas y estilos de vida. Cada día es una oportunidad nueva para invertir en nosotros mismos.
¿Qué significa para usted tomar el control de su vida y de su salud? ¿Tiene algún consejo o técnica que le haya ayudado a retomar el control y manejar su bienestar?
The holidays can be a busy and stressful time for most of us. The list includes holiday parties, hosting guests, shopping, gift wrapping, traveling, and cooking. Especially when you have young children, you’re expected to deliver the magic of Christmas with every chance you get. Through my journey living with MS, since I was a young adult, I have learned that doing the most during the holidays is not making the most of the holidays. I have since limited my holiday commitments and traveling to a minimum. This does not mean that I don’t enjoy and love the season; instead, it means I make it manageable, which makes it all the more enjoyable for me.
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Ahh…the holiday season! With its dazzling lights and festive cheer, the holidays can often bring a whirlwind of activities and expectations. Although it’s a joyous season, it can also bring forth chaos and stress. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and ensure a harmonious and fulfilling celebration. Here are a few strategies to help you navigate the holiday season while keeping your well-being at the forefront:
Continue readingBy Suzanne Marriott
Being my husband’s caregiver throughout his years of living with MS taught me a great deal. I discovered hidden internal resources and developed new skills that stretched my understanding of what I could do.
Through embracing the challenges of caregiving, I learned to trust myself to do what had to be done to care for my husband, Michael, despite my self-doubt and lack of experience. For example, in the latter stages of Michael’s disease, I learned to accomplish procedures that only an RN could comfortably do, such as administering IV medications and changing his Foley catheters while maintaining a sterile environment. As his condition worsened, Michael came to trust me more and more, and I was able to ensure that he received the right medical care and the right follow-up—from me.
MS is debilitating and relentless, wreaking havoc on our bodies and minds. It is frequently a diagnosis that causes fear, confusion, and discomfort in so many ways. The first thing that I think of when I speak with a person with MS is the word resilience.
If there is one thing I have learned about people with MS, it is that they are resilient. They have learned to withstand difficulties and adapt to situations that many are unaware of. The courage those with MS show every day leaves me baffled. It takes strength to deal with the physical and “invisible” symptoms of MS, and educating ourselves and those around us about this disease is just as powerful. The MS journey is one of ups and downs, trial and error, and acceptance.
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Going back to school is an exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking time for any child. But for children with MS, returning to the classroom can pose some unique challenges. In this post, we will explore how children with MS and their families can navigate the back-to-school season with confidence and ensure they have a successful and full academic year.
Continue readingEmergencies can occur suddenly and without warning. For individuals living with MS, or any other chronic disease, medical emergencies and natural disasters can present a real challenge. Emergencies sometimes cannot be avoided, but being prepared ahead of time can make the world of a difference.
You know your body and limitations better than anyone. Plan for your own safety as you are best able to know your functional abilities and possible needs during an emergency situation. It’s important to prepare your surrounding friends and family as well and inform them of any accommodations you may require. Create a personal support network around you that consists of people you trust within your home, school or workplace. Write down your emergency contacts and provide them with your number and address as well. They’ll be able to recognize your capabilities and needs and be able to provide immediate assistance during an emergency situation.
Create a personal checklist and evaluate what assistance and resources you need before, during and after an emergency. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for an unexpected emergency – medical or natural disaster.
For individuals that have mobility challenges, they often require more detailed planning in the event of a disaster. Some individuals use power chairs or wheelchairs which can pose a challenge in the case of a power outage. It’s important to have a back-up power supply or have a manual wheelchair as an alternative. Another tool to consider is a medical alert necklace. This allows you to call for help with the press of button.
While disasters and emergencies can affect everyone, their impact on individuals with mobile and physical needs can pose a challenges. By taking a few steps and preparing ahead of time, you will be better prepared to face any unexpected emergencies.