Stress Less, Live More: Managing Stress to Reduce MS Flare-Ups
Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) brings enough challenges, and stress can make everything feel harder. What I learned on my journey is that stress doesn’t just mess with your mental health—it can trigger MS flare-ups, making symptoms like fatigue, pain, and brain fog worse. Managing stress is key to feeling more in control and living a better life.
We can't always eliminate stress, but we can change how we handle it to reduce its impact on MS. Here’s why managing stress is so important and what you can do to stress less and live more.
Why Stress Management Matters for People with MS
- Stress Triggers MS Flare-Ups
Stress releases hormones like cortisol, which increases inflammation. For people with MS, this can mean flare-ups and worsening symptoms. I’ve felt it myself—when stress takes over, my symptoms can spike. Managing stress keeps your body and mind calmer, reducing the risk of those flare-ups. - It Drains Your Energy
Fatigue is one of the toughest symptoms of MS, and stress only makes it worse. When you’re constantly stressed, your energy gets drained, leaving you exhausted. By reducing stress, you preserve more energy for the things that matter most—whether it's spending time with family or focusing on your health. - It Impacts Mental Health
Mentally, stress can feel overwhelming. It leads to anxiety, tension, and even feelings of hopelessness. I’ve been there—feeling like stress was consuming me—but learning to manage it has been instrumental for both my mental and physical health.
How to Manage Stress and Reduce Flare-Ups
Stress management doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple but powerful strategies that helped me take control of stress and reduce its impact on my MS symptoms:
- Focus on the Next Right Step
When stress feels overwhelming, I’ve learned to focus on what I can control, right now. Whether it’s drinking water, getting outside, or taking a deep breath, making the next small, positive choice helps break the cycle of stress. When I stopped worrying about things outside of my control and started focusing on those little steps, my stress dropped—and so did my flare-ups. - Move Your Body
Even a gentle walk or stretch can work wonders for lowering stress. Moving your body releases endorphins—your body’s natural stress relievers. When stress builds up, getting some movement in, even for a few minutes, can help calm your mind and body. On days when I’m feeling low on energy, even a short walk can make a big difference. - Practice Deep Breathing
One of the easiest ways to calm your body when stress hits is through deep breathing. I’ve found that when stress starts building, taking a few minutes to breathe deeply can shift my whole mood. Inhale slowly for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. Doing this for just a few minutes can help reset your nervous system and reduce stress.
Take Action to Stress Less and Live More
Managing stress is one of the most impactful things you can do to reduce MS flare-ups and improve your quality of life. By taking small, simple steps to manage stress, you’ll feel more in control and create space for the things that truly matter. Stress will always be part of life, but how you handle it can make all the difference in your MS journey.
