After the excitement of the holidays wind down, the remaining winter months can often seem very long and keep many indoors and away from social activities. To help prevent the winter doldrums, we invite you to check out the following strategies for ideas on how to stay active and engaged in the comfort of your home:

• Lend your voice. As you may know, MSAA launched its first online MS peer forum this summer titled, My MSAA Community. With more than 1,400 members to date, this safe and supportive community offers tremendous resources and personal insights into managing the day-to-day challenges of MS. Among the most frequently discussed topics include tips on cognition, handling family relationships, symptom management strategies, and much more.
• Find some happiness. What makes you happy and inspires you? Is it a craft, hobby, or artist expression? Perhaps learning about mindfulness stress reduction, yoga, or aquatic exercise can help improve your physical and emotional outlook on life. MSAA offers an extensive Overall Wellness section on our website at mymsaa.org, providing useful information, resources, informative videos, helpful tip sheets, and more.
• Take a journey with Christine. Just added to the “Personal Stories” section of MSAA’s Lending Library, Walk of Hope: One Woman’s Journey with Multiple Sclerosis is a book written by Christine Ganger. In this writing, she describes some very raw and personal moments in her life, while also revealing how hope can make the mind and heart overcome the anguish one feels when experiencing similar physical disabilities.
• Plan your own journey. Now is a perfect time to think warm thoughts and plan ahead for any possible spring or early-summer travels! The Lending Library includes a section on “Accessibility,” and features titles such as: 101 Accessible Vacations, Barrier-Free Travel, and There is Room at the Inn.