Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) can feel overwhelming. While there’s no cure yet, there are many ways you can take charge of your health and feel more in control. Lifestyle changes, paired with your neurologist’s treatment plan, can make a real difference in how you feel day-to-day and how well you manage your symptoms. Think of it as building a toolkit for your life with MS. Not everything works the same for everyone, but taking small steps adds up to significant improvements over time.
How Does MS Affect Daily Life?
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong disease that affects everyone differently.[1] For some, fatigue may be the biggest challenge; for others, it could be mobility changes, numbness, or even trouble concentrating.[2] These symptoms can make everyday activities, such as cooking, working, or socializing, feel like a challenge. But with the right lifestyle adjustments and healthy habits, you can continue to live well with MS.[3]
Tips for Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis
Living with MS often means finding balance between what your body needs and what helps you feel your best. Small, intentional changes in your daily routine can ease symptoms, boost your energy, and protect your overall well-being.
Prioritize Your Rest
Consistently getting a good night’s sleep may be one of the most powerful tools you have. Sleep is when your body repairs itself and your brain resets. Poor sleep can worsen fatigue, pain, and cognitive fog in people with MS.[1]
Try sticking to a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calm, cozy sleep environment.
Eat a Balanced, MS-Friendly Diet
Fueling your body with the right foods can make a noticeable difference in your resilience and number of flare-ups. There isn’t one “MS diet” or “best diet for MS”, but eating whole foods—like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids—can support brain and nerve health.[3; 4] Swanks or Wahls are MS-friendly diets designed specifically for patients.[5]
Limiting processed foods, added sugars, and excess salt may also reduce inflammation.[6]
Keep Moving and Stay Active
Movement is medicine, especially when it comes to MS. Exercise doesn’t just help with strength, flexibility, and mobility; it can also ease fatigue, boost your mood, and promote cardiovascular health. Low-impact options, such as swimming, yoga, or walking, can be beneficial for overall health.[7] Work with your doctor to develop a safe and realistic plan that suits your abilities.
Create a Stress Reduction Plan
Chronic stress can sneak up and trigger your MS symptoms or make them worse, so having a toolkit for managing it is key. Deep breathing, meditation, journaling, or even taking short breaks throughout the day can help you feel more centered and better equipped to deal with whatever life throws your way.[8]
Stay Connected to Feel Supported
Support systems matter more than you think. Spending time with friends, family, or MS support groups can improve mental well-being and help you feel less isolated.[9] Sharing your experiences online or in real life also allows you to learn new coping strategies.
Give Your Cognitive Health a Boost
Your brain needs exercise, too. Some people with MS experience memory issues or “brain fog.” Activities like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills can help keep your brain sharp.[10] Breaking tasks into smaller steps and using reminders can also make daily life easier.
Make Modifications at Home & Work
Sometimes small changes make the most significant difference. Simple adjustments, such as using adaptive tools in the kitchen, rearranging furniture for more effortless mobility, or requesting workplace accommodations, can help you stay independent and comfortable.[11]
Don’t Forget About You: Self-Care is Necessary
Think of self-care as your personal recharge button. It’s about listening to your body, pacing your activities, and knowing when to rest. Overdoing it one day can sometimes mean more fatigue the next.
Alternative & Complementary Therapies to Help Manage Your MS Symptoms
Beyond conventional treatment, you may find relief with complementary approaches. Massage can help reduce muscle stiffness, acupuncture may ease pain, and mindfulness practices, such as yoga or meditation, can aid in managing stress and fatigue.[2]
For your safety, consult your neurologist before starting any new therapies.
What Should I Avoid with Multiple Sclerosis?
Just as important as what you add to your routine is what you limit or avoid. Heat exposure, smoking, and excessive alcohol can all make MS symptoms worse.[2] Skipping medications or follow-up appointments can also increase your risk of relapses or progression.
Making Neurology Care and Your Lifestyle Work Together for Optimal MS Management
Living with multiple sclerosis is a lifelong journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Your neurologist is there not only to provide testing and medication but also to support your overall well-being. The best care plan for multiple sclerosis combines medical treatment with lifestyle strategies that address your physical, mental, and emotional health.[12] Staying informed about new research and treatment options will also empower you to make informed choices that align with your personal goals.
With the right blend of expert care and healthy lifestyle habits, it’s possible to live well and thrive with MS.
Could Your Symptoms Be Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis?
Feeling more tired than usual, noticing tingling in your hands or feet, or dealing with sudden vision changes? These could be early signs of MS. A neurologist can help you get answers and start managing symptoms before they get in the way of daily life.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician, neurologist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read on this blog.
Resources:
- Warson S. Lifestyle Changes That May Help Slow MS Progression. WebMD [Internet]. Reviewed January 31, 2025. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/rrms-changes-slow-progression
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17248-multiple-sclerosis
- Santos-Longhurst A. What to Expect from Life with MS. Healthline [Internet]. Updated March 29, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/what-to-expect-with-ms
- Empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/managing-ms/living-with-ms/diet-exercise-and-healthy-behaviors/diet-nutrition
- Raman R. Multiple Sclerosis and Diet: All You Need to Know. Healthline [Internet]. Updated May 09, 2025. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/multiple-sclerosis-foods-to-avoid
- Harel A. What’s the Best Diet for MS? Health Central [Internet]. Published July 01, 2025. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/multiple-sclerosis/best-diet-for-ms
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle with Multiple Sclerosis. University of California – UCFS Health [Internet]. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/maintaining-a-healthy-lifestyle-with-multiple-sclerosis
- Rodriguez D. 11 Lifestyle Tips to Help You Manage MS Symptoms. Everyday Health [Internet] Published 2018. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/lifestyle-tips-help-you-manage-ms-symptoms
- Palmer C. How to Live a Healthy Life With Multiple Sclerosis. GoodRx [Internet]. Published May 7, 2021. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/living-with-multiple-sclerosis
- Grossman J, Berman EO. Cognitive Symptoms of MS and Losing Independence. My MS Team [Internet]. Published June 10, 2022. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.mymsteam.com/resources/cognitive-symptoms-of-ms-and-losing-independence
- Bass K. What is the outlook for a person with MS? Medical News Today [Internet]. Updated December 22, 2023. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310864
- Multiple Sclerosis. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) [Internet]. Published January 31, 2025. Accessed September 10, 2025. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-sclerosis
