Seasonal Life Hacks for MS

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be tough because it brings challenges to our everyday life. It's like trying to do regular things when your body and mind are not always cooperating. That's where life hacks come in. Life hacks for those with MS are not just clever shortcuts – they are indispensable tools for navigating the complexities of daily routines, managing symptoms, and enhancing overall well-being.

Throughout 2024, we are putting out seasonal life hacks shared by those in the community to help make life navigating MS a little bit smoother. See tips for summer, spring, and winter below (we will release fall tips in the fall!).

Summer life hacks

Summer can bring all sorts of challenges and frustrations. Here are tips community members shared about tackling the heat:

Staying cool

• Try putting a wet bandana in a Ziploc and freezing it
• Keep an umbrella in the car to create some shade for yourself
• Utilize a handheld fan to help keep a breeze on you. Some of these fans even have misters attached (pro tip - put ice in the mister for an even cooler spritz, some community members say)
• See different organizations like the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America that offer custom cooling vests and other cooling technology to those eligible

Staying hydrated

• Put water bottles in the freezer half-filled, and add water in when they’re ready to go
• Invest in a double-insulated bottle to keep ice and liquids colder for longer
• Consider downloading a hydration reminder app to give you a gentle notification that it’s time to sip

Timing outdoor activities

• If indoor activities aren’t an option and something is planned outside, try to schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, like mornings or evenings
• Try to scope out outdoor activities ahead of time by visiting them when it’s cooler out or reaching out to the coordinator to make sure water, shade, and seating are provided so you can plan accordingly if not

Clothing choices

• Wear lightweight, light-in-color (dark clothes tend to attract and hold heat), and loose-fitting clothing to help stay cool
• Consider athletic and moisture-wicking workout clothes, which can be helpful to absorb sweat in the summer and keep you cooler
• Keep clothes in the freezer or cooler to throw on and help cool you down quicker

Monitor symptoms

• Listen to your body! Be aware of early signs of overheating or exacerbation of MS symptoms. Try to have a game plan in case you start to feel overheated or overwhelmed. If you’re with a friend, let them know your plan and what you need to help get you comfortable and in a safe place quickly
• Sometimes, no matter how much you prepare, you might just have to say no to things in the summer. Sharing the honest reason why you can’t attend something could start a conversation and lead to others asking what they can do to accommodate

Spring life hacks

For spring, we're focusing on spring cleaning hacks! We've gone through the archives and pulled some interesting hacks that our communities members have shared when it comes to making chores easier to accomplish. Here are just a few...

Make it a game

Set a clock for 5-30 minutes and see how much you can get done in that time moving at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Once the timer beeps, stop. Reward yourself with something you have been looking forward to. Maybe it's a cup of tea, or maybe a good, long nap. Whatever it is, take the time to reward yourself for a job well done.

Find tools to help that work for you, not against you

Utilizing long grabber tools, automatic scrubber brushes, and other gadgets can help tremendously when it comes to taking care of difficult, more physical tasks as well as alleviating all of the energy it takes to bend down and stand up.

Cleaning up after pets

Consider purchasing long-handle cat litter scoops and long-handle pooper scoopers, all available at places like Amazon and Chewy, to help make cleaning up pet waste a bit easier.

Try cleaning with a body-double

Body-doubling is a strategy term used among the ADHD community which is having another person do chores or tasks alongside you. The goal is that they not only help you complete these tasks but can also distract you from the chore itself with conversation.

Create lists

Create two separate lists. Label one of those lists that you can accomplish if you're low on energy. Label the other list of things you can accomplish when you're high on energy. Check off things as you go and when you feel you're done for the day, actively take a moment to be proud of yourself, even if you accomplished one thing, that's still a big win!

Winter life hacks

Here are some hacks for navigating life in the cold of winter:^1,2

• Wear layers so you can peel them on and off throughout the day. Going from inside to outside and back can be a shock to the system. MS can also sometimes cause our bodies to feel overheated even when it's cold outside, or vice versa. So it's good to keep a variety of layers handy.
• Keep your circulation flowing by trying to move around, if you can. This can also help reduce muscle stiffness that can happen in cold temperatures. If you're unable to move around, you can try wrapping something warm like a fleece blanket around yourself. Some blankets even have sleeves to help add to that warm feeling.
• Close the windows or draw curtains after the sun sets to help insulate your home from the cold. These little actions can help keep the home a little warmer and reduce the draft from outside.
• Eat or drink things that are hot. This can warm up your hands and fingers and help keep the body feeling warmer.
• Consider using a hot water bottle, electric blanket, or a heating pad. These may be especially useful if you're in a place where everyone else feels warm but you feel cold. Just be careful with these items, as skin may be sensitive to the touch with them, and MS can mess with our internal body temperature.

Those are just a few ideas, but we want to hear from you! Got seasonal hacks of your own? Share them in the comments below!