By Lauren Kovacs

This, unfortunately, is a battle most MS folks fight daily. I do. Each situation requires a custom battle to fight stress. We have to adapt. Change our warrior armor based on the battle ahead.

I find a day might be needed to access the situation, if multiple days of “relaxation” are involved. Recon. Know your enemies. Combating stress is a tough daily battle.

I like to watch the birds at my feeder. I got a bird book so I can identify them. I watch their personalities based on their type. I watch the flowering bush that bees and small butterflies love. I notice things I never had before. Slowing down and watching can be a great way to relax.

There is no right way to fight the battle so, relax. Do what makes you chill. Be boring. Never thought watching bug interactions or watching bird drama would ever be interesting.

Music and reading are good strategies for stress battles too. I have certain songs that help me through daily stress. My boys hate when I blast my music.

Reading helps me escape into a story not involving MS. I buy the books, as library books are not mine. I don’t like reading with a due date hanging over me. I am kinda rough on boosts. Spills and bent pages are not for library books.

Do what helps you relax. Remember to not relax by doing something that you will regret later.

If gardening is your thing, dig in the dirt when cool. Give yourself a time limit. Don’t channel Earth worms until it takes days to recover. Relaxing should not involve MS payback.