We aren’t all born to love routines, but when it comes to living with MS, a routine may make all the difference. Many people with MS have found that having a routine helps them deal with MS symptoms, but just how important is routine when diagnosed with MS - and what is the cost of living with a routine?

The Importance of an Exercise Routine

Sometimes moving is difficult with MS, but that doesn’t mean you can stop doing it! Getting into an exercise routine will help you keep your body active even on days when you don’t feel well. The best way to make and stick to an exercise routine is to plan simple active steps you can still take on bad days. Maybe during a flare-up, you walk around your backyard for 20 minutes rather than going to the gym or stretch your body rather than lifting weights. The key is to make sure you are moving so that you maintain muscle mass and flexibility even when you aren’t feeling well. And for those of you who may be immobile, simple stretches and upper body movements can help as well.

The Importance of a Personal Routine

Exercise isn’t the only thing that works well in a routine. A lot of people who have MS find that planning their whole day around a routine helps them feel better. Waking up and going to bed at the same time each day ensures you get enough sleep each night. A personal routine can help you remember to take your medications and feel productive on days that are difficult. Having a hygiene routine will make you feel better as well because you’ll always have time for taking care of yourself.

The Cost of Living With Routine

There are some drawbacks to living a fairly routine life. It can make you feel like your life is boring or make you feel like you can’t take a risk or do something new. The key to living a routine life is to allow yourself to make exceptions. Going on vacation, doing fun things on the weekend, or sleeping in at the height of a flare-up are hiccups in your routine that you should embrace rather than beating yourself up about. Your routine is there to help you stay healthy and happy, so if part of it is causing you stress, change it!

Routine is incredibly important when diagnosed with MS, and it may be just what you need to help your symptoms. Just be sure to create a routine that you can stick with - and don’t get so caught up in your routine that you forget to live your life.