Relief from Stress with Exercise

Last Updated on December 6, 2023 by Cathy

I’ve been under a lot of stress these past several months. Unfortunately, stress is my weakness when it comes to staying healthy. I know how important it is to manage stress, but you know how it is. Sometimes life gets complicated and stress is hard to avoid. Instead of getting depressed get relief from stress with exercise!

I always worked in a job that dealt with daily deadlines and stress. I kind of thrived on stress, it got my adrenaline going. Plus, I felt good after accomplishing all my responsibilities. It wasn’t until years later that I realized stress wasn’t doing me any good. Just like multiple sclerosis (MS) flares, it adds up and eventually, your body doesn’t recover like it did in the past.

During the “Great Recession,” I was under a tremendous amount of daily chronic stress. Between my husband’s job shutting down and my job. There were layoffs, furloughs, and pay cuts every three months, stress took its toll on me. Even though I had stopped the progression of MS through diet. I could feel MS creeping back as my feet and ankles were getting stiffer every day. It was getting harder and harder to walk, which also stressed me out. After a few years of dealing with this chronic stress, I was finally laid off from my job. It was a relief and that sick feeling I had in my gut every day was finally gone.

Spasticity

Unfortunately, removing that stress didn’t improve my walking or relieve the stiffness. Researchers say stress doesn’t cause spasticity (stiffness). But if you ask any MS’er I’ll bet they’ll disagree. MS thrives on stress and it rears its ugly head whenever stressful events are happening. Some people are even diagnosed with MS after a bout of chronic stress. Think about when you were first diagnosed. Did it happen around a stressful event?

Spasticity refers to feelings of stiffness and a wide range of involuntary muscle spasms (sustained muscle contractions or sudden movements). It is one of the more common symptoms of MS.

– The National MS Society

For stiffness, neurologists like to prescribe drugs like Baclofen or Tizanidine. They’re used as a temporary muscle relaxant. But they come with nasty side effects. Such as fever, nausea, fatigue, chest pain, or burning sensation while urinating. Who wants that? A much better way of dealing with spasticity is by stretching and massaging.

After one of my MS attacks (from years ago), I noticed when I would lift my foot, keeping it straight, my knee turned inward. Or when I would lift my foot keeping my knee straight my foot turned outward. I asked my physical therapist and she told me “Don’t collapse your knee” (like I was doing it on purpose). I’ve been through physical therapy, and I’ve even taken a yoga class specifically for MS. But, I never saw a huge improvement. Has this ever happened to you?

MS and Stress

MS is not just a neurological disease it’s also a disease caused by emotions. As your stress brings on MS flares, MS also brings on emotional and financial stress. It’s a vicious cycle. Don’t be like me and let MS and stress get the best of you. You are an MS warrior and you are here to fight back, calmly of course.

The biggest mistake I made during those years of chronic stress was allowing it to take over. The stress and depression it was too much for my body. This time I was smarter and you can be smarter too. First, you need to learn techniques to reduce your stress. Try sitting in a quiet room, listening to music, or soaking in a warm tub. Even petting your dog or cat can help relieve stress. The most important thing to do is to keep moving. If you’re feeling stressed or depressed don’t just sit there. Keep moving! If possible, go for a walk or ride a stationary bike. Even if you’re in a wheelchair there are exercises you can do.

Learn the different triggers to MS here: What Causes an Autoimmune Disease?

Optimal Body Personal Fitness

Regular exercise is crucial for people with MS as it offers a range of physical and psychological benefits that contribute to overall well-being. Engaging in consistent exercise helps manage MS symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and balance issues. Physical activity can enhance cardiovascular health, improve muscle strength, and promote flexibility, all of which are vital for people with MS to maintain independence and mobility.

Plus, regular exercise has been shown to positively impact mood and mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, which are often increased when dealing with chronic conditions like MS. By incorporating a well-rounded exercise routine, individuals with MS not only enhance their physical capabilities but also foster a sense of empowerment and control over their health, ultimately improving their quality of life.

My favorite exercise program for MS is OptimalBody Personal Fitness. Spearheaded by David Lyons (the owner) who himself lives with MS, reversed his MS symptoms by eating healthy and incorporating exercises he designed himself. Now he wants to share these same exercises with you! This gym specifically designed for people with MS is a game-changer!

David achieved a remarkable reversal of his MS symptoms by crafting a unique plan that involved tweaking his diet and incorporating exercises he designed himself—a testament to the profound impact personalized lifestyle changes can have on managing this condition.

This online gym provides a convenient and flexible way to engage in regular physical activity from the comfort of your home. It uses resistance bands in the workouts so there is no need to buy expensive exercise equipment. It also includes exercises catering to those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.

Join OBP Fitness with someone who understands the difficulties of living with MS.

ChairFit with Nancy

ChairFit with Nancy on YouTube is a valuable resource catering specifically to people with MS who rely on wheelchairs. This video series thoughtfully addresses a range of exercises that can be seamlessly performed while seated. Nancy’s expertise ensures that each workout is not only accessible but also tailored to accommodate the challenges associated with MS.

By providing a supportive virtual environment, ChairFit with Nancy empowers people in wheelchairs to engage in a regular exercise routine, promoting strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. These exercises are free to everyone and contain a wide selection of exercises that can be done from a chair.

Here’s one of her videos below:

Stress Relief

Don’t let stress get the best of you, especially when dealing with MS. Even a small amount of stress is overwhelming for those of us with MS. It disrupts your sleep and causes cognitive issues (brain fog). Even when you don’t feel like getting off your sofa, you’ll feel much better after exercising or stretching.

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