THE WEIGHT OF MS: FATIGUE, REST, AND MOVING DIFFERENTLY
Contrary to popular belief, MS fatigue is not just being tired. MS fatigue hits different. It’s bone-deep, like your body is carrying something extra that no one else can see. Some days, it’s like trying to swim through maple syrup and your limbs just won’t cooperate, no matter how much you try. The hardest part? People don’t get it.
If you’ve ever had to explain why you’re exhausted after “doing nothing” or why even lifting your arms feels like work, I feel you. MS fatigue is more than exhaustion — it’s a full-body experience that forces us to move through life differently.
Why Do We Feel Guilty for Resting?
The world teaches us to push through, especially as Black women. We’re expected to be strong, to show up, to keep going no matter what. And when we can’t? That guilt sneaks in and we all know how heavy that can feel.
Here’s the thing — rest is not weakness. MS doesn’t care about hustle culture. It doesn’t care about to-do lists. So why should we feel bad for listening to our bodies?
During Women’s History Month, it’s important to remember that our strength isn’t just in what we do, but also in how we take care of ourselves. Rest, nourishment, and honoring our bodies are essential to our well-being and resilience. As Black women, we’re not only carrying the weight of MS, but we also have to navigate societal expectations that often leave us feeling like we need to do it all, all the time.
Where Yoga Comes In
Yoga taught me to meet my body where it is, not where I wish it was. Some days, that means moving through a slow flow. Other days, it means breathing deep and letting that be enough. Either way, it’s about listening.
For MS fatigue, yoga is a game-changer because:
It teaches us to slow down without guilt — because your worth isn’t tied to how much you “do.”
It helps us move smarter, not harder — because pushing through isn’t always the answer.
It reminds us that rest is productive and sacred — because recovery is just as important as movement.
Moving Differently, Living Differently
I won’t lie — this is still a work in progress for me. Some days, I get frustrated when my body won’t keep up. Some days, I have to remind myself that I’m not lazy, I’m not weak, and I’m not failing. I’m just carrying something extra, and that weight deserves care.
So if you’re reading this and you get it, know this:
You don’t have to push through just because the world says so.
You don’t have to explain your exhaustion to people who don’t get it.
And you don’t have to do this alone.
As we reflect on Women’s History Month, let’s make a pact to honor the strength in rest, the power in listening to our bodies, and the importance of doing so in a community that supports and nurtures us. Your body is doing its best. Let’s honor that.
