Multiple sclerosis affects the way you move around and how you perform your daily tasks. There are things that you can do at home to manage multiple sclerosis that will eventually make your life better. A few lifestyle changes for multiple sclerosis can help you save energy to spend on things that you want to do.

Not all the suggested lifestyle changes may be right for you. You need to look around your house, your daily routine, and consult with your therapist to factor in on things that will help you do your best.

Here are some lifestyle changes for multiple sclerosis that you can consider:

Even though fatigue is inevitable, the aim should be to remain active and move every day. These are the most effective lifestyle changes for multiple sclerosis.

• Work on gentle exercises such as gardening
• Being physically active will also reduce the chances of developing other conditions such as cardiovascular diseases
• Stretch your body to reduce soreness and build core strength.

Some symptoms such as erratic motor control put you at risk of a fall. In the bathroom, safety is a primary concern.

• You need to use antiskid bathmats and keep the bathroom door unlocked
• Use a removable or handheld showerhead so you can sit on a bath bench
• Use a liquid soap dispenser or bath mitts rather than a soap bar as it can slip away
• Get handrails installed in bathrooms
• Use brushes or scrubs with long handles
• Use lukewarm water instead of very hot water as it can make you tired or worsen your condition.

When doing housework:

• For cleaning, use long handles on mops and cleaning brushes to reach the far areas
• You can sit to fold laundry, do the dishes, and for mopping and vacuuming
• Use a wheelchair to move around
• Use a trolley for putting away things around the house such as folded laundry
• Place things at a height from where you can easily reach for them
• Ensure that your house is as comfortable as possible
• Keep the temperature of the house regulated and suitable for your comfort.

The best lifestyle changes for multiple sclerosis will help increase your comfort:

• Drink enough water so that your body temperature remains regulated
• Wear cool clothes
• Keep the air conditioning or fans running to keep yourself comfortable
• You can keep a pillow under your neck to reduce pressure on the back
• Put on your clothes in a seated position to reduce the risk of a fall
• Go for clothes that open in the front instead of the back
• You can choose garments that are not pullovers
• Wear clothes that are loose fitting and have elastic bands
• Wear clothes that have large buttons or velcro
• Wear comfortable shoes.

It is advisable to always keep your mobile phone with you:

• Keep an emergency number on speed dial
• Use apps on your phone to schedule reminders
• Use voice to text function instead of typing
• You also need to keep a journal, either handwritten or digital, that has all the information about your condition.

It’s best to make your environment safe for yourself, eat healthy, and get as much physical activity as possible. Take the help of your family and friends to follow these lifestyle changes for multiple sclerosis.