5 Tips to Conserve Energy With MS

Living Well

May 30, 2025

Sydney Kesselman

A woman wearing an orange shirt walks along a trail using walking sticks. — Samantha, diagnosed in 2011

1. Find the Right Help

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Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Connecting with the right providers is essential to furthering your independence. OTs and PTs (physical therapists) often work together to help people improve their quality of life. “[They] have unique skill sets that are not redundant, but instead thought of as complementary,” Zackowski explains.

OTs help you modify goals, everyday tasks and your environment to help live your life on your own terms.
PTs concentrate on strength, mobility and coordination to enhance movement.

To find a provider or resources that work best for you, use the Society’s free Find Doctors and Resources tool.

A man seated in a powerchair with white hair and a beard talks to a physician in a doctor’s office. — Cermit (left), diagnosed in 1998

2. Plan Ahead and Split Up Tasks

3. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to your signals from your body and respond accordingly. Rather than fighting exhaustion, take a mindful approach to conserving your energy and maintaining your balance. By listening to what your body needs, you can go about your day more productively and independently.

Take short, frequent breaks. Instead of pushing through fatigue, pause for a few minutes to recharge. According to Zackowski, even 5 minutes of sitting can help you recharge.
Sit whenever possible. Having a seat nearby can help you avoid unnecessary strain, whether cooking or working.
Use checklists. Tracking progress with step-by-step lists can help you stay on task without overdoing it.
Work at a relaxed, steady pace. Rushing through tasks can be draining, so give yourself time to complete activities without unnecessary stress.

Take short, frequent breaks. Instead of pushing through fatigue, pause for a few minutes to recharge. According to Zackowski, even 5 minutes of sitting can help you recharge.
Sit whenever possible. Having a seat nearby can help you avoid unnecessary strain, whether cooking or working.
Use checklists. Tracking progress with step-by-step lists can help you stay on task without overdoing it.
Work at a relaxed, steady pace. Rushing through tasks can be draining, so give yourself time to complete activities without unnecessary stress.

4. Use Assistive Tools to Save Energy

Assistive devices are not a sign of giving in, Zackowski says. Instead, think of them as tools to help you be your best self, especially when you are experiencing symptoms.“You might use the equipment some days and not all the days, but allow yourself to do that,” Zackowski says.Here are some tools you can use to make your day simpler:

Mobility and Stability: Hand-held shower head, shower seat, grab bars, adaptable mirrors
Hand Strength and Control: Hands-free faucet, universal cuff, nonslip mat, hair dryer holder, adapted nail clippers, extended mirror
Vision and Cognitive Function: Magnification glasses, high-contrast keyboard, hands-free telescopic glasses, alarm clock projector
Traveling: Safety poles, portable handle, lift, walker, cane
Technology: Smartphone applications for remembering important events, tracking medications, writing check lists or managing finances

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Mobility and Stability: Hand-held shower head, shower seat, grab bars, adaptable mirrors
Hand Strength and Control: Hands-free faucet, universal cuff, nonslip mat, hair dryer holder, adapted nail clippers, extended mirror
Vision and Cognitive Function: Magnification glasses, high-contrast keyboard, hands-free telescopic glasses, alarm clock projector
Traveling: Safety poles, portable handle, lift, walker, cane
Technology: Smartphone applications for remembering important events, tracking medications, writing check lists or managing finances

Mobility and Stability: Hand-held shower head, shower seat, grab bars, adaptable mirrors
Hand Strength and Control: Hands-free faucet, universal cuff, nonslip mat, hair dryer holder, adapted nail clippers, extended mirror
Vision and Cognitive Function: Magnification glasses, high-contrast keyboard, hands-free telescopic glasses, alarm clock projector
Traveling: Safety poles, portable handle, lift, walker, cane
Technology: Smartphone applications for remembering important events, tracking medications, writing check lists or managing finances

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Mobility and Stability: Hand-held shower head, shower seat, grab bars, adaptable mirrors
Hand Strength and Control: Hands-free faucet, universal cuff, nonslip mat, hair dryer holder, adapted nail clippers, extended mirror
Vision and Cognitive Function: Magnification glasses, high-contrast keyboard, hands-free telescopic glasses, alarm clock projector
Traveling: Safety poles, portable handle, lift, walker, cane
Technology: Smartphone applications for remembering important events, tracking medications, writing check lists or managing finances

5. Optimize the Environment Around You

modifications to your home can make a significant difference in your safety and energy use.Bathroom Adjustments:“The bathroom is a really dangerous place. Everything is very hard, it's often wet,” Zackowski says. “You want to think ahead, and when planning your bathroom space, make sure that you can sit much of the time.”Bathroom modifications can include:

Grab bars near toilets and showers
A raised toilet seat for easier transfers
Non-slip mats and shower curtains to prevent falls
A handheld showerhead and shower seat

Kitchen Modifications:Zackowski suggests a universally designed kitchen to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. "This way, you don’t use all your energy standing around but can use it for meal prep."Consider kitchen changes such as:

Lower countertops to reduce strain
Easy-slide drawers and pull-out shelves for better access
Anti-fatigue mats to relieve pressure while cooking

Other Changes:Focus on making adjustments that give you extra safety and stability. One simple change can make all the difference in your daily routine.

Install ramps and threshold ramps to improve movement.
Use motion-activated lighting to enhance visibility.
Keep walkways clear of clutter for safer navigation.
Reorganize your space to keep important items within reach.

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Safe and comfortable home, travel and work environments are crucial to maintaining independence. Zackowski suggests thinking about times you have fallen (or have almost fallen) – “Try to use that as a tool to plan ahead so that doesn’t happen again,” she says.Even slight modifications to your home can make a significant difference in your safety and energy use.Bathroom Adjustments:“The bathroom is a really dangerous place. Everything is very hard, it's often wet,” Zackowski says. “You want to think ahead, and when planning your bathroom space, make sure that you can sit much of the time.”Bathroom modifications can include:

Grab bars near toilets and showers
A raised toilet seat for easier transfers
Non-slip mats and shower curtains to prevent falls
A handheld showerhead and shower seat

Lower countertops to reduce strain
Easy-slide drawers and pull-out shelves for better access
Anti-fatigue mats to relieve pressure while cooking

Other Changes:Focus on making adjustments that give you extra safety and stability. One simple change can make all the difference in your daily routine.

Install ramps and threshold ramps to improve movement.
Use motion-activated lighting to enhance visibility.
Keep walkways clear of clutter for safer navigation.
Reorganize your space to keep important items within reach.

Grab bars near toilets and showers
A raised toilet seat for easier transfers
Non-slip mats and shower curtains to prevent falls
A handheld showerhead and shower seat

Lower countertops to reduce strain
Easy-slide drawers and pull-out shelves for better access
Anti-fatigue mats to relieve pressure while cooking

Other Changes:Focus on making adjustments that give you extra safety and stability. One simple change can make all the difference in your daily routine.

Install ramps and threshold ramps to improve movement.
Use motion-activated lighting to enhance visibility.
Keep walkways clear of clutter for safer navigation.
Reorganize your space to keep important items within reach.

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Grab bars near toilets and showers
A raised toilet seat for easier transfers
Non-slip mats and shower curtains to prevent falls
A handheld showerhead and shower seat

Lower countertops to reduce strain
Easy-slide drawers and pull-out shelves for better access
Anti-fatigue mats to relieve pressure while cooking

Other Changes:Focus on making adjustments that give you extra safety and stability. One simple change can make all the difference in your daily routine.

Install ramps and threshold ramps to improve movement.
Use motion-activated lighting to enhance visibility.
Keep walkways clear of clutter for safer navigation.
Reorganize your space to keep important items within reach.

Sydney Kesselman

A graduate from the University of Florida, Sydney Kesselman was a spring 2025 intern with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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5 Tips to Conserve Energy While Living With MS

1. Find the Right Help

2. Plan Ahead and Split Up Tasks

3. Listen to Your Body

4. Use Assistive Tools to Save Energy

5. Optimize the Environment Around You

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