One of the most all-encompassing symptoms of MS is depression. Depression amplifies how strongly you feel the other symptoms of MS while making it difficult to find joy throughout your day. The truth is that dealing with MS symptoms can be depressing, but by using these positive thinking tips, you can keep depression at bay. Instead, you will find peace and happiness, which will help you cope with your MS.
1. Pay attention to your thoughts - and change them
Your brain is constantly speaking an inner monologue. You may not even realize the negative things going through your head. Start paying attention, and when you think of something negative, pause, and think something positive instead. This will feel a little weird at first, but training your brain to think more positively is an active process, and it will make you happier over time.
2. Surround yourself with positive people
According to motivational speaker Jim Rhone, “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” If you’ve ever spent time with a cynical and toxic friend, you realize just how true this statement can be. If you want to be happy and find positivity in your life, surround yourself with happy and positive people. They will lift you up, helping you find joy even on hard days.
3. Be grateful
Try to go through your days finding gratitude for the good things in your life. Thank people who improve the quality of your life. Be grateful for the good things your body does. On a day when you need an extra boost, make a list of your favorite things, then post it somewhere you will see on a regular basis. Read it when you feel down.
4. Meditate
Meditation is great for pain relief, relaxation, and fighting off depression. There are countless guided relaxation and guided meditation videos and podcasts on the Internet, and many of them are free. Just find a relaxing location, get comfortable, and let the words guide you into meditation.
If you are struggling with MS fatigue, search for energizing guided meditations. If you are struggling with pain, search for guided relaxation for pain. You’ll be surprised by the power of meditation to rejuvenate and relax your body and mind.
5. Smile
Smiling literally releases endorphins, which improves your mood. Even forcing a smile (only a really big one will trigger the endorphins) will actually make you feel better. Better yet, watch your favorite show or listen to your favorite comedian. Laughter is even better than smiling when it comes to triggering an endorphin rush.
6. Help someone else
Service is always a great way to get outside of yourself and your situation and find joy. Depression makes you not want to do anything, but if you can convince yourself to get up and help someone else, that human connection will bring you joy. Remember, your symptoms may limit your ability to do some things - but they can never limit your ability to help the people around you. Find a way to help someone else, and you will feel better.
Having days of depression is normal for all people, but especially for those of us suffering from MS. These tools will help you combat depression when it strikes and better manage your MS symptoms. Living with MS is certainly a challenge, but it doesn’t have to control your mood. You are stronger than your depression.
What is your favorite positive thinking tip to cope with your MS? Comment below! If you have one that isn’t on the list, that’s even better!