Spiritual Well-Being
Spirituality and Multiple Sclerosis
Tips for Building Spirituality Into Your Life
- Grief is a natural reaction to big changes. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a diagnosis of MS, a change in one’s ability function or some other disruption, healthy grieving is the first step toward healing. The grieving process sets the stage for goal-setting, creative problem-solving and personal growth.
- Dealing with changes and challenges takes energy. Fatigue, or the feeling of being tired all over, is one of the most common and challenging MS symptoms. Notice the things in your life that drain you physically and emotionally. Remember to also take note of what stimulates, fuels and replenishes you.
- Part of a spiritual journey is connecting with one’s true self. To do this:
- Take time to recognize and trust your motives, emotions and ideas.
- Learn to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Living with MS can mean that you have limited energy. It can seem as though the hurdles are endless. If you feel this way, prioritize the ways you spend your physical and emotional energy. Focusing on your own goals and personal values is part of staying on your spiritual path. This will help you feel fulfilled.
- The challenges you experience with MS also affect your family and friends. Unpredictable symptoms of MS can alter the roles and responsibilities in a relationship. This can affect shared activities and challenge intimacy and require you to rethink shared plans and goals. Working to maintain balance and connection in valued relationships is part of one’s spiritual path.
- Journaling involves writing regularly about one’s thoughts, feelings and experiences. It has been found to help people:
- Clarify their thoughts and feelings
- Get to know themselves better
- Reduce stress
- Solve problems more effectively
- Resolve disagreements with others
- Explore meditation for people living with MS.
- Practice gratitude.
- Do something for others.
- Art therapy is a way to use art to help your mind and emotions. Painting, drawing or creating something can help you express feelings, reduce stress and feel more in control.Art therapy can help people with MS:
- Feel more creative and confident.
- Improve mood and reduce stress.
- Find new ways to cope with challenges.
- MS Association of America’s Improving Lives Through Art® Series (virtual art tours and paint-along webinars)
- MS Foundation Health and Wellness Grant (help with the cost of art therapy or other wellness programs)
- Take a moment to notice good things in your day and express gratitude for them. Look for things like:
- Acts of kindness by others
- Beauty in the world around you
- A happy event
- A beautiful piece of music
- Something that inspires you
- Do something each day that makes a difference to others. Some options include helping another person, taking steps to protect the environment, taking care of animals, promoting a cause or volunteering your time and talent.