This month at Overcoming MS, we’re focusing on stress management and the significant positive impact that managing your stress can have on day-to-day function, MS symptoms and on probability of relapse. There are so many ways to feel the benefits of lowering your stress levels – and if you’re looking for some inspiration, we asked our community in the Live Well Hub to tell us their favourite ways to take care of their mental health:
“Getting out in nature is a big help to me. Since being on the OMS Program I have bought a 300-page A4 book specifically for journalling. I take the time to write in my journal anything in my mind that is causing me stress. Research shows that writing down what is on your mind does reduce the stress it is causing. It is definitely an essential part of stress management for me” – Rachel
“[As religion is important to me] I try very hard to surrender stressful life events and people to Jesus. I meditate on his word and ask Him for peace that passes all understanding. We will always have stress. Jesus promises me he is with me in it” – Kristi
“Yoga works for me. Plus exercise, I just bought an electric bike and it gets me outside a lot more. Breathing exercises are also a brilliant, easy way to totally chill out.” – Stuart
“I exercise a lot, it’s great against stress and fatigue. Swimming and dancing are my favourite sports.” – Anke
“I am finding mindfulness practice really beneficial. Clearing my mind to one task, sound, smell or ‘thing’ moving. It’s calming” – Kim
“Crafting (mostly knitting, sewing and crochet) are my stress-reducing superpowers. I have crafted since I was a child, and I believe that it (along with singing) is the reason my MS was so slow to develop.” – Teresa
It’s all about finding what works best for you to manage your stress, hopefully our community’s suggestions have given you some ideas to get started! If you’re new to meditation, you can find a wealth of information on how to get started in our latest Living Well With MS podcast here
If you’ve been inspired by any of these suggestions, or have any of your own, let us know in our Live Well Hub!