MS Fighter

Stress is something we all deal with, but for those of us living with multiple sclerosis, it can feel like the perfect storm brewing inside our bodies. Stress doesn’t just make us feel overwhelmed or mentally drained, it can take a physical toll in ways that are hard to explain to others. For me, stress has always been one of my biggest triggers. My last hospitalization in December 2023 was due to stress. When I let my stress build up unchecked, my body reacts—the fatigue becomes unbearable, the brain fog sets in, it feels like my muscles are fighting against me rather than working with me, and for me personally, I have a serious breathing problem (I simply can’t take enough breath).

I remember that December, life was piling up—work deadlines, family commitments, and the unpredictability of MS all collided at once. I tried to push through, thinking I could handle it all, but right before Christmas Eve, my body had other plans. I finished everything that was bothering me in those last months of 2023 and when I finally had the time take have some rest during Christmas holidays, it was quite the opposite. My energy was gone, my legs felt like lead, and even simple tasks felt monumental. I collapsed in the middle of a street with my wife and daughter right next to me. That’s when I realized that stress wasn’t just an emotional or mental state for me—it was a full-body experience that amplified every symptom of my MS.

The truth is, living with MS means stress isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a potential catalyst for flare-ups and worsening symptoms. The connection between stress and MS feels relentless at times, like a cycle that’s hard to break. But I’ve learned that while I can’t always control the stressors in my life, I can control how I respond to them. That’s what this post is about…breaking cycle and building the tools to manage stress before it manages you. Stress is unavoidable, but with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to control your life or your MS. Let me show you how I’ve learned to weather the storm and find calm in the chaos.

Why Stress Hits Harder with MS.

Stress affects everyone, no doubt about that, but for those of us living with multiple sclerosis, its impact can feel amplified in ways that others might not fully understand. MS is a condition where our immune system is already working against us and stress—whether physical, mental, or emotional—acts like a fuel on that fire. It’s not just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a trigger that can worsen symptoms and even lead to flare-ups. When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones (e.g., cortisol and adrenaline). In a healthy body, this response is meant to help us handle challenges, like a fight-or-flight mechanism. But with MS, this stress response can easily backfire. Studies have shown that chronic stress can lead to increased inflammation in the body, and for someone with MS, that inflammation can aggravate the nervous system, making your symptoms even more pronounced.

There’s also the mental tool to consider. Living with MS already comes with a lot of uncertainty—symptoms can change daily, and you never quite know how your body will react to certain triggers. Add stress into the mix, and that unpredictability can feel overwhelming. For me, stress can spiral quickly. A stressful week at work might lead to more physical fatigue than usual, followed by frustration that I’m not able to perform at the level I want. It’s a vicious cycle… stress worsens MS symptoms, and the worsening symptoms create even more stress. What makes stress particularly tricky for those of us with MS is that it’s often invisible to the outside world. People might not realize that what feels like “normal stress” to them can leave us completely wiped out. It’s easy to feel misunderstood or even guilty for not being able to handle stress the same way others might.

But here’s the truth—stress isn’t just harder for people with MS—it’s different. It’s not something we can simply ignore or push through (although my wife would surely disagree on not pushing through), and that’s okay. The key is understanding this connection and learning how to manage stress before it takes a toll on our bodies. By taking small, intentional steps to control stress, we can prevent it from becoming a trigger for flare-ups and reclaim some of the power it tries to take from us.

Stress Management Techniques You Should Try.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that managing stress isn’t a luxury for someone with MS—it’s a necessity. Stress has the power to derail my physical and mental well-being faster than almost anything else, so I’ve had to build a toolkit of strategies to keep it in check. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, the following techniques generally make a massive difference in helping people maintain balance and reduce the impact stress has on your MS symptoms. Try some of them and you will find the best technique(s) that fits you.

• Meditation and mindfulness: I’ll admit, meditation is not something for me. However, for most people, once they explore mindfulness, they realize it’s less about perfection and more about presence. Indeed, for some people the idea of sitting still and “clearing their minds” seem impossible with everything going on. Nevertheless, even a few minutes of focusing on your breath or grounding yourself in the moment can help calm your nervous system. These practices may help you reset when your mind feels overwhelmed and remind you to take life one moment at a time.
• Breathing exercises: When stress hits, I’ve found that my body tends to tense up, making my MS symptoms generally worse. That’s were deep, intentional breathing comes in. A simple technique like box breathing—inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, and repeat—can almost instantly calm my mind and body. I use this during flare-ups and in the middle of a hectic day. It’s an easy way to tell my body “You’re safe, and it’s okay to relax.”.
• Physical activity beyond strength training: While strength training is a big part of my life, I’ve found that lighter, more restorative physical activities also play an important role in managing stress. For some people, yoga is a game-changer, helping you to stretch out stiff muscles and center your thoughts. Walking outdoors is another favorite—there’s something about fresh air and nature that helps you clear your head and recharge. Such low-intensity activities are just as important as the heavy lifting in your routine because they give your body and mind a chance to unwind.
• Creating a routine: Living with MS means that unpredictability is part of life, but having a consistent daily routine helps me feel more in control. I start each day with small, manageable goals, whether it’s planning my meals, blocking out work hours, or setting aside time for family. Knowing what to expect reduces your overall stress levels and gives you a sense of stability, even when your symptoms are unpredictable.
• Setting boundaries: Learn to say “No!”. There are people who doesn’t like to say no, but you must understand that overcommitting yourself only leads to burnout. Setting boundaries—whether it’s saying no to unnecessary stressors or taking time for yourself—is crucial. You also must let go of the guilt that might come with prioritizing your own needs.
• Talk it out: Whether it’s your family, friends, or a professional, sharing what you’re going through helps you lighten the mental load. Living with MS can feel isolating at times, but opening up reminds you that you don’t have to carry everything on your own. Therapy is especially helpful for people that aim to process emotions easier and handle stress in healthier ways.
• Finding joy in small things: It’s a cliché, but you should make a point to focus on the little moments that bring you happiness. Whether it’s laughing with your kids, enjoying a good book, or watching your favorite movie, these small joys should be your reminder that there’s so much more to life besides stress. Taking time to appreciate these little things will help shift your perspective and keep you grounded in the things that really matter.

Each of these techniques could potentially be your lifeline at different points in your MS journey. They’re not about eliminating stress altogether—that’s impossible—but about managing it in a way that prevents it from taking over. It’s a process of trial-and-error finding what works and building habits that support both your mind and body. The truth is, stress doesn’t have to control us, even with MS. With the right tools and mindset, we can find calm amidst the chaos and take back control of our lives. And that’s a victory worth celebrating every single day.

Control the Chaos.

Stress is a beast we all face, but for us MS fighters, it can hit like a heavyweight champion. The good news? We don’t have to stay on the ropes. Managing stress is about building strength—not just in the gym, but in your mind, your routines, and your ability to roll with the punches. This post isn’t just about calming down—it’s about fighting back, reclaiming control, and refusing to let stress call the shots. 

I want to hear from you—How do you manage stress? What strategies have you discovered in your own fight? Drop a comment below or share your story. This blog isn’t just about me—it’s about building a community of resilience, where we share, learn, and grow together. Looking ahead, we’re going deeper into how I tackle life with MS. From how I structure my day for energy and productivity, how I personally manage my stress, to sharing my daily routine, and diving into the role of support. There’s plenty to explore in the fight for strength and resilience—to live strong, no matter the odds.

The bottom line? Stress doesn’t have to break you—it can’t! It’s just another opponent, and like any good fighter, we train, adapt, and come out swinging. The fight might be tough, but the reward—your health, your peace, your power—is worth every round. As Dan Millman once said: ”You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” That’s the mindset we’re building here—bold, unbreakable, and unapologetically strong. We sweat, we struggle, we bleed—sometimes literally—but we never quit. It’s not about surviving, it’s about thriving. It’s about standing tall, even when the world—or your body—tries to knock you down. Now, go out there and own it. And if stress tries to mess with you again? Well, let’s just say it picked the wrong fighter.