BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION CAN HELP YOU THRIVE WITH MS
Let’s be real, it can be pretty easy to become desensitized to the constant fluctuations in sensations and symptoms when living with MS. This can leave us feeling numb, disconnected, and powerless. Especially if you feel there is nothing you can do to change the discomfort that comes when symptoms arise. “That’s just MS” is a phrase I’m sure we’ve all said at least once, whether to ourselves or our support systems.
Learning to tune in to your body's subtle whispers can be very impactful on your journey with MS. The whispers that tell you when you need to rest, when you need to take it easy, when you need a little extra TLC and when you need help.
The Importance of Body Awareness
What if we could tap into our body's inner wisdom to develop a deeper sense of connection with our bodies? This could allow us to better understand our symptoms and respond to them more confidently. Yoga and mindfulness practices can help you cultivate a greater sense of body awareness.
For individuals living with MS, developing this awareness can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Maybe you’re wondering, “what does it mean to cultivate body awareness”?
Being more aware of your body's physical sensations, such as pain, fatigue, or numbness.
Being more attuned to your emotional state, such as feelings of anxiety or depression.
Being more mindful of your mental state, the nature of your thoughts, how you speak to yourself and about your body. It can also include experiencing racing and ruminating thoughts or worries.
The Power of Yoga and Mindfulness
Yoga and mindfulness practices can help you train your mind to tune in to your physical sensations and emotions. By paying attention to the sensations in your body as you move through yoga poses, you can increase your awareness of areas of tension or discomfort, allowing you to better understand and respond to your symptoms. It can also encourage you to become more aware of your natural breath patterns, your posture, how your body responds to external stimuli etc. This can help you better understand your symptoms and respond to them with confidence. Yoga also encourages mindfulness and self-compassion. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common comorbidities with MS.
Here are a few practical tips:
Take a few minutes daily to sit quietly and focus on your breath.
Pay attention to your posture, natural body positions and make adjustments as needed.
Take breaks daily to clear your mind, stretch, and or move your body.
Keep a journal track your physical sensations and emotions to better understand patterns or cycles.
Bridging the gap between the body and mind is crucial for thriving with MS. Remember, yoga is not just about physical movement, but also about breathwork and meditation. Start slow, be gentle with yourself, and most importantly, listen to your body to help you navigate the challenges of MS with greater ease.
