Living with MS can be stressful, especially during an MS flare-up. Thankfully there are plenty of ways to relax and decompress when stress rears its ugly head. You could always take a vacation (or staycation), but that takes time and money. What can you do when you need stress-relief right now.

Read on to learn about breathing and relaxation exercises to calm you during an MS flare-up.

Breathing Exercise for MS

Focusing on your breath is one of the easiest ways to calm down. Start by getting in a comfortable position either lying down or sitting in a supportive chair. You can either close your eyes or focus on one specific spot. Then, pay attention to your breathing.

Many breathing exercises suggest you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, but do what feels comfortable for you. Breathe in deep, feeling your stomach fill with air, trying not to lift your shoulders up while you breathe. Hold the breathe for a second, and then slowly release the air from your lungs fully. Repeat until you feel calm.

Meditation for MS

Some people enjoy meditating as a way to calm down during an MS flare-up. There are lots of ways to meditate, but you can start simply by adding on to the breathing exercise. Choose a mantra such as “I am more than my pain” or any other phrase that brings you comfort. Repeat it to yourself in your mind each time you breathe in and each time you breathe out.

Try to visualize light and healing being breathed in and darkness and pain being exhaled with each breath. As other thoughts enter your mind, do your best to ignore them. They won’t stop coming, but by focusing on your breath, your mantra, and your visualization, they will have less power.

Guided Meditation for MS

If you have a difficult time meditating on your own, try guided meditation. Guided meditations are recordings of relaxing sounds and a voice talking you through the process of relaxation. These guided meditations may include visualizations to help with pain relief.

There are guided meditations for all sorts of issues, including sleeplessness, pain relief, mental fog, and anxiety. While guided meditation may seem strange at first, many people find it extremely beneficial for pain management and mental decompression.

How do you deal with an MS Flare-up?

These breathing and relaxation exercises can calm you during an MS flare-up. Use them to increase awareness of your body and to ground yourself when your MS interferes with your daily life. Breathing and relaxation exercises are a great way to get in touch with your body.