Brain & Nervous System Multiple Sclerosis Living With Tips for Improving Life With Multiple Sclerosis By Heather Jones Heather Jones Facebook Twitter Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. Learn about our editorial process Published on June 27, 2022 Medically reviewed by Brigid Dwyer, MD Medically reviewed by Brigid Dwyer, MD Brigid Dwyer, MD, is a board-certified neurologist and an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Boston University School of Medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Lifestyle Confidence Tips What to Expect Frequently Asked Questions The physical, mental, and cognitive effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) can greatly influence a person's quality of life. Medical treatments are the mainstay of treatment, but the right lifestyle measures can make living with MS easier and help you feel your best. Read on to learn coping strategies for living with MS. eyecrave / Getty Images Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle With MS Healthy lifestyle choices are important for everyone, but they can be especially important for people living with long-term conditions such as MS. While they aren't a substitute for treatment, lifestyle changes can make symptoms and relapses easier to manage. These changes don't need to be made all at once. Be realistic about what works for you. Small changes over time can have a big impact. Prioritize Mental Health Struggles with mood and mental health are common in people who have MS. Prioritizing mental health as seriously as physical health can help to preserve and even enhance quality of life for people living with MS. Psychotherapy approaches can be very beneficial, including: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on recognizing and changing problematic thought and behavioral patterns Mindfulness-based interventions: Involves "paying attention on purpose," being in the moment, and accepting thoughts without judgment Medication may be recommended if a mental health disorder is present. Treating mental health conditions in people with MS is similar to treatment recommended for the general population, but interactions with MS medications need to be considered. Manage Stress While it's unclear if stress can worsen the condition, stress is commonly experienced by people with MS. More research is needed into the effects of stress on MS onset and symptoms, but stress management techniques can at least help a person feel better. Relaxation techniques that may help include: Deep breathing Meditation Visualization/guided imagery Progressive muscle relaxation Yoga Tai chi Identifying stressors, setting realistic goals and priorities, asking for help when needed, keeping physically and mentally active, and making time for fun can also help reduce stress levels. Find Support Asking for help can be hard, especially if you are used to doing everything on your own, but seeking support is important. Places and people to turn to for support include: Healthcare providers and mental health professionals Family Friends Significant others Neighbors and community members Support groups (online or in-person) Hired services (such as someone to clean, shovel, or mow) Colleagues MS organizations Resources for people with MS When asking for help: Be open with your needsBe specific with your requests (i.e. "Would you be able to watch my kids for two hours on Sunday morning?" instead of, "Could you take care of the kids sometimes?")Ask when you need something—don't wait for someone to offerExplain to those who want to help that MS can be unpredictable and how that affects your needsHave support plans in place ahead of time that you can put into play when you need to Where to Find Support The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a resource guide and search tool that can help you connect with healthcare providers, financial assistance, emotional support, home care, and more. Get Plenty of Rest Many people with MS have trouble with sleep, which can affect daytime cognitive activity. Talk to your healthcare provider about your sleep difficulties to help determine the cause (including the possibility of a sleep disorder) and what can be done about it. How You Can Sleep Better Tonight Eat Healthy Foods There is insufficient evidence to show that any special diet is effective at preventing MS or affecting its development. Some of these proposed special diets could even be harmful. Instead, the same nutritious foods recommended for all adults are recommended for people with MS as well. Some basic ways to help ensure you are getting proper nutrition include: Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables Choose lean protein, such as fish or poultry Choose healthy fats, such as olive oil or grapeseed oil, and limit saturated fats Choose whole foods, such as whole grains Eat fiber-rich foods Drink plenty of water Read food labels Be Careful With Supplements Supplement use should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as some supplements may be harmful to people with MS. Particularly, avoid any supplements that claim to boost the immune system. While research is being done into a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and MS, speak with your healthcare provider about whether a vitamin D supplement is right for you before taking them. Exercise Research has shown that exercise can have multiple benefits for people with MS, including: Improving overall healthReducing fatigueImproving bladder and bowel functionIncreasing strength, balance, and mobilityPositively affecting mood and mental functioningPossibly reducing inflammation Types of physical activities to try include: Aerobic activities (cardiorespiratory): Including walking, cycling, swimmingStrength training (resistance training): Focuses on muscle strength and enduranceYoga: Combines breathing, relaxation, balancing, and stretching techniquesExergaming (exercise and video gaming): Combines video game platforms and body movement-tracking technology Before starting a physical activity or exercise program, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to make sure it's appropriate for you. Exercising with MS comes with cautions to be aware of, including the potential for overheating, dehydration, exhaustion, and falls. Overheating can cause minor symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and blurred vision, which do not have lasting effects, but may be unpleasant and limit the duration of the activity. Ways to help avoid overheating include: Wear loose clothingBe in front of a fanDrink lots of cool fluidsUse cooling garments, such as neck or head bandanas Have Fun People who have MS may find that because their symptoms limit the amount they can do, they prioritize self-care activities and daily chores over leisure or social activities. However, this can negatively impact their quality of life. Incorporating participation in meaningful and enjoyable activities into the treatment plan for people with MS is important. These goals can be as simple as: Going outsideSpending time with friends and familyVolunteeringEngaging in hobbiesTaking a class Hobbies for the Disabled Building Confidence With MS Acceptance is one way to build confidence with MS. This doesn't mean "giving in" to the condition, but rather acknowledging that though MS is out of your control, you do control your reactions and decisions. Acceptance is an ongoing process that involves work and even grieving. But it can ultimately lead to improved life satisfaction. Some other strategies to help boost confidence include: Write it out: Write down your feelings, thoughts, symptoms, and goals in a journal Do things that scare you: Facing a fear—whether it's something practical or something fun—can help boost your confidence See your uniqueness: Focus on the things that make you "you," including your character, personality, preferences, wishes, and everything else that makes you the unique person you are More Lifestyle Tips for MS Other helpful lifestyle tips for living with MS include: Stop smoking (or don't start): Smoking may worsen MS, whereas stopping smoking may help slow the progression Get vaccinated: Vaccination can help avoid infections that could worsen symptoms or cause a flare-up. Some vaccines (those that contain live organisms) may not be recommended for people undergoing some disease-modifying therapies, so check with your healthcare provider before getting a vaccine. Tips for Working With MS In the United States, the Americans With Disability Act (ADA) gives specific requirements for what an employer must do in terms of accommodating the needs of people with MS and other disabilities. This includes guidelines for areas such as: The worksiteJob restructuringModifying roles/responsibilitiesEquipment and services Helpful Work Resources for People With MS The Job Accommodation Network offers a detailed list of suggestions for accommodations that can be made at work for people with MS. You can look for suggested accommodations by limitation or by work-related function. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides an in-depth guide to finding employment, working with MS, and rights in the workplace. What to Expect MS is not one-size-fits-all. Just as the symptoms and the progression of the condition can vary, so does the way different people respond to a diagnosis of MS. Some people feel scared, sad, angry, shocked, uncertain, and many other powerful emotions. Others can feel relieved to have an answer for the symptoms they have been experiencing. There is no right or wrong way to react to being diagnosed with MS. If you are struggling, talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional. They can help you find the support you need. Adaptive Technology for Improving Life With MS Summary Lifestyle changes are not a substitute for MS treatment, but they can improve the lives of people with MS. Measures such as prioritizing mental health, managing stress, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and finding support can benefit people with MS. You can also discuss arrangements with your employer for how best to continue your work and make any necessary workplace adjustments. A Word From Verywell Alongside treatment, there are many things you can do to make living with MS easier and more enjoyable. Prioritizing your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Talk to your healthcare provider about activities and lifestyle changes that are appropriate for you to try. Frequently Asked Questions Can lifestyle changes help alleviate MS symptoms? While not a substitute for treatment, people with MS may find lifestyle changes such as eating a nutritious diet, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can help with their symptoms. Can you live a comfortable life with MS? MS symptoms, severity, progression, and prognosis vary greatly. It's impossible to predict exactly how MS will affect you over time. Regardless of how it manifests, some treatments and measures can make life more comfortable for people living with MS. How does MS progress with age? The average life expectancy for people with MS has increased over time, likely due to improved treatment, health care, and lifestyle changes. Because of the possibility of complications or other medical conditions, the average life expectancy for people with MS is believed to be about seven years less than the general population, but many of these complications are preventable or manageable. 17 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Lifestyle choices. Davis BE, Lakin L, Binns CC, Currie KM, Rensel MR. Patient and provider insights into the impact of multiple sclerosis on mental health: a narrative review. Neurol Ther. 2021;10(1):99-119. doi:10.1007/s40120-021-00240-9 Shapero BG, Greenberg J, Pedrelli P, de Jong M, Desbordes G. Mindfulness-based interventions in psychiatry. FOC. 2018;16(1):32-39. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20170039 MS Society of Canada. Wellness & lifestyle. University of California San Francisco. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with multiple sclerosis. Johns Hopkins. 5 tips for living better with MS: patients and caregivers. Multiple Sclerosis Trust. What happens after diagnosis? National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Sleep. Motl R, Ehde D, Shinto L, Fernhall B, LaRocca N, Zackowski K. Health behaviors, wellness, and multiple sclerosis amid COVID-19. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2020;101(10):1839-1841. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2020.06.001 MS Society of Canada. Healthy eating. Miclea A, Bagnoud M, Chan A, Hoepner R. A brief review of the effects of vitamin D on multiple sclerosis. Front Immunol. 2020;11:781. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.00781 MS Society of Canada. Exercise and physical activity. MS Society of Canada. Common questions. Plow M, Finlayson M, Gunzler D, Heinemann A. Correlates of participation in meaningful activities among people with multiple sclerosis. J Rehabil Med. 2015;47(6):538-545. doi:10.2340/16501977-1948 National Health Service. Living with multiple sclerosis. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accommodations. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Understanding MS. By Heather Jones Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit