In today ‘s fast paced and ever changing world, we are so focused on securing our place in the rat race that we forget to focus on the most important thing which is ourselves. It is so vital that we set time apart for ourselves to engage in pursuits that add value to life. I am sharing some tested and tried strategies that have worked for me:
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The knee bone is connected to the thigh bone; the thigh bone is connected to the hip bone, and it is all connected to the brain bone. Ok, so the brain is not a bone, but that line sounds better poetically. The mind-body connection is often ignored and overlooked, especially if there is nothing wrong. When something does go wrong, many people bury it deep in their psyche, like a squirrel that hides his nuts for the winter. This disguise over Continue reading
When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I immediately went into action in changing my diet. As a nutrition coach, it’s how I knew how to heal.
That approached served me well. It helped me to significantly reduce my symptoms – specifically brain fog and fatigue.
However, what I mistakenly overlooked was the way Continue reading
Mental wellness? Wait. When given my MS diagnosis years ago, all talk centered around the physical side. No one mentioned anything about the mental challenges of MS.
For this reason, I renege my contract with multiple sclerosis! (Wish it was that easy, right?)
Fact is, in my experience, mental wellness is WAY harder to manage. I have AFO’s to help with foot drop. A rollator to Continue reading
In true keeping with not quickly remembering the lessons I’ve already learned, it took me a few months of building frustration before seeing a situation I’m experiencing as something I could approach differently.
I volunteer for our local self-help group, and increasing work and personal health demands are making it harder for me to continue doing everything I’ve done for the past six years. I’d asked for volunteers to help. Some stepped forward and I appreciated their help, but still I felt responsible for more than I can continue.
I was getting frustrated, and resentment was building. I was getting Continue reading
Mental wellness is often overlooked by MS folks and those around us. I am not saying for others to walk on eggshells, but mindfulness is something we all need to remember. Mental wellness is trying and knowing when to seek assistance.
The saying, “… if you have nothing nice to say…” This goes for negative self-speech too. Try to speak words of affirmation to yourself. Be your own cheerleader. Try at least.
Having been a Continue reading
By Lauren Kovacs
Wellness is as broad as MS itself. It is a never-ending struggle for some kind of wellness. It haunts most of us like a persistent poltergeist. Little pieces fit into the MS puzzle and you need them all.
We all try and latch onto any floating debris. We ask, “What if it helps?” There it is, the dreaded, “What if?” Always try it; it might work for you. Turmeric is a decent life-ring for some, for example.
It is really hope we cling to, in the end, no matter how small. Routines and eating well are obvious pieces. Many of us find reducing gluten and sugar helps. The jigsaw puzzle of MS wellness is huge. Someone’s failed try might be someone else’s small victory.
One piece I have found to be golden is mental wellness. We all need to vent. I have a talk therapist. I dump my MS garbage on her, poor dear.
A disinterested third party is great for me, mentally. I am a talker. I can talk your ear off. With recent MS stuff, talking is work. Ok, I sound drunk. My brain wants to release, but by the time the flow gets out it is a muddy mess.
Unloading on your spouse puts a big kink in your marriage. Talking to a friend helps, but it has to be the right friend. Talking to a family member might not work either.
Many people are not equipped to carry the burden of listening to our MS struggles. So, we put on a happy face and move on. Eventually our bag gets too heavy and explodes or leaks.
A trail of MS juice follows us, if we ignore it. It drips from our backpack with every step. Wellness calls for us to find a way to lighten our load or patch the leak. The MS backpack is a permanent fixture. We can never take it off. Wellness of any kind is a welcomed Band-Aid.
Talking to someone helps me feel better. I can trip over my own words or smear them as they come out. I need the release at times. Friends might hear complaining and family might get annoyed.
Wellness is a puzzle piece. Trying to smash it into the wrong place won’t work, no matter how you turn the piece. Mental wellness is personal, and very important. You have to find the best way you can to slide that piece of the puzzle in. A Cadbury Crème Egg helps too.