My name is Mariya and I was diagnosed in 2024 with RRMS. I wanted to share some of the things I ty to do to live well with MS…
Since being diagnosed with MS, I’ve had to really think about how I manage stress, as it’s something I’ve always struggled with. Breathwork has honestly been a godsend! Someone showed me how to do it recently and it really helps to slow my mind and consciously relax my body, as I often tense up without realising. When I get really stressed it can feel like I can’t breathe properly, so breathwork is a good reminder to actually stop and breathe – properly.
I’ve also slowly learned to accept how I respond to stress and set things up around me, like keeping an emergency pack of Jaffa Cakes or Candy Kittens in my flat and always making sure my headphones are charged so I can put on a meditation when I need to reset.
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I tend to go back to old books or TV shows I already love, it’s comforting and stops me having to make decisions when my brain is already too full. I recently rewatched Love Actually (my favourite Christmas film!) and it definitely helped for a few hours.
Food is the first thing that goes out the window when I’m stressed or fatigued, so I try to keep ingredients in the fridge that I can just throw together, or try and meet a friend for dinner, that way I don’t have to think too much and I get to vent as well!
Since my diagnosis, I’ve made a real effort with diet and routines. I used to be quite lazy with meals, but now I look for low-energy wholesome recipes, my go-to is a veg curry with pre-chopped veg and lentils all in one pot. Learning more about ultra-processed foods and the link between food and how I feel, both mentally and physically has had a big impact on my energy levels and fatigue.
I’ve also found activities that help me feel calm without draining me, like getting back into The Sims 4, paint by numbers, documentaries, and romance or murder mystery books. I’ve set up a kind of ‘low-energy ritual’ for the days where I wake up with heavy limbs or get home from work completely exhausted, it’s usually a quick meal (gnocchi, pesto and bacon bits is my current favourite!) and something slow and gentle to occupy my mind that isn’t just hours of scrolling.
Exercise has been a big adjustment. I used to be really active, so it was a big mental struggle when I could no longer go to the same lengths I used to, especially as fatigue is one of my biggest symptoms. I now work with an MS physio through my hospital who’s given me a few really simple routines to help me feel stronger. I’ve built up to going to the gym once a week for a Pilates class, even though it’s gentle, it still makes me feel like I’ve achieved something. I also try to move in smaller ways throughout the day. I work a desk job so I often remind myself to stretch, walk outside for a few minutes, or do lunges while the kettle’s boiling.
Sleep has been hard and still is, to be honest. One thing that’s helped is doing a 10-minute body scan to consciously relax my body and slow my thoughts. I use the Balance app, which I’ve found really helpful. I also keep a journal and a heated eye mask next to my bed, and it means I can write down anything that’s on my mind before trying to sleep and soothe my eyes if they’re feeling dry. My neck gets quite sore too, so I’m currently trying out different orthopaedic pillows to see if one helps (still a work in progress!). I always try to stretch when I wake up, just to ease the stiffness first thing.
Finding MS Together has made such a difference, it’s really helped to hear that others are dealing with the same things, and to try out what’s worked for them. It’s made me feel less alone and reminded me that it’s okay to take things at my own pace and that I don’t have to feel guilty for struggling.
