How to Survive an MRI, and Other Life Stressors

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If you’ve ever been so fortunate to visit the hospital for specialized testing, MRI/CAT scan/CT scan etc, you know it is not something to be thankful for. Hospitals can envoke extreme anxiety for many people, just by their atmosphere alone, not to mention the actual reason for being there. I recently had my latest round of yearly MRI’s to check the progress of MS. I go in for 2 rounds of MRI’s, the first is about an hour long and the second about two hours. Needless to say, these leave me with plenty of time to stare at my plain white tube and think. During this round I was thinking about the current MRI and past MRI’s, why some were such an awful experience and some aren’t quite that bad. I figured out some things that made a big difference, either one way or the other and I want to share these with you, as they can be applied to any medical situation, or any stressful situation you may encounter.

1. The time of day.

I found during my last MRI, that the time of day of the exam made a huge difference. All of my other MRI’s (and other exams for that matter) have been in the afternoon/evening due to work. After a long and stressful day already, I had to walk into another hugely stressful situation. This last time though, it was first thing in the morning. Some people (myself included before I went) would say that’s even worse! Now I have to get up early for the stupid stressful test? But yes. you want the answer to be yes. I realized that there is an advantage of a morning MRI. Not only am I not awake yet, my body isn’t either. I am able to relax and put myself into a calm state much easier than I can at the end of the day. Being calm and relaxed is a huge benefit for any type of testing, or stressful situation, medical or otherwise. Having an outlet for stress, is essential to your wellbeing.
2. Comfort 
I hear it now, a resounding ‘duh’ from all of you. ‘Of course I’m going to get comfortable’. But this goes beyond just ‘getting comfy’ or as comfy as possible (it’s hard in those hard MRI machines). But what I mean is, really adapt your surroundings to you. If you need another pillow, leg rest or blanket, say so. Don’t think you’re being a pain in the ass just because you need another blanket as the tech is walking away. The tech is there to help you, but you need to help yourself first and say something. There is no use being freezing, or obnoxiously hot, when it can be easily remedied. That is true in life as well. There are plenty of people in our lives willing to help, but often do we reach out? Or we know what will help us, or make us feel better, but we struggle to implement those changes. Because change is hard! But don’t be afraid to give up good for great.
3. Breathe
In my experience, an MRI can go downhill, fast. Either I overheat, something starts to insanely hurt or my mind gets the better of me. In these situations all I have left is my breath. Breath is the foundation for life, movement and focus. In these situations, it is never more evident. Sometimes all I can do about the situation is breath through it. I can calm my body down and calm it’s reactions down through my breathing. My most used technique is called ‘square breathing’. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, out for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, repeat. If I can focus on my breath, usually whatever is bothering me, will calm itself as well. I have found this technique to be useful in life also. If I encounter a situation that is completely overwhelming and is threatening to ruin my day, breathing through it calms me enough to be able to handle it.

4. Don’t be afraid to press the call bell

This may be another tip that appears more geared toward an MRI/procedure than anything else. However, it has everyday uses as well. When you’re being shuttled into the MRI machine, the last thing the tech gives you is a call bell. This is a ‘get me the eff out’ button. Don’t be afraid to use it. It’s there for a reason, a good reason. Thankfully, I haven’t had to use it yet. Thinking back on it, there’s several occasions where I probably should have. I’m still learning about this one too. But how many times have we been at the end of our ropes and needed to get the eff out of where we were? Probably plenty. Dont’ be afraid to press the call bell.

These tips adapt to life situations too. If you’re not comfortable, take steps to change it. If all you can do is breathe, then breathe away. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to press the call bell and get the eff out.

 

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

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Workout Wednesday! 2-10-16

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This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!

20 5
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This is how I slowly helped myself the most: Making small changes to my life, * Intentional awareness to my morning * Noticing when I’m being mean to myself * Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight.. Some “small” ideas for you too: * don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go * drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too) * get up and move every hour * say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean * step outside for a few minutes a few times a day Small changes add up to big steps forward, don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”, they absolutely are. Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies? I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!

This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!! ...

20 5

You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.

26 4
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You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals. You just have to show up. You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡 *after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.

You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna. ...

26 4

“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here:

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

13 0
Open
“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.” Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year. It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title. Did you see?? Pre Orders are open! If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get: • Signed copy of Resilience Redefined • The MS Handbook E-book • Resilience Bookmark • LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders) Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/ Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here:

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!! ...

13 0

Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!

31 3
Open
Struggling to start with exercise? Try this tip!! Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were. Because we’re trying to do something different after all. This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process. Become who you want to be in your mind first. Does this help? What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!

Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!! ...

31 3

It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!

33 15
Open
It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS. This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey. It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better. ““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive” So… drumroll please… Pre orders are officially open!! If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get: • Signed copy of Resilience Redefined • The MS Handbook E-book • Resilience Bookmark • LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders) Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/ Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!

It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!! ...

33 15

If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!

32 2
Open
If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass! This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!! You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park! Share with anyone who also might like this!!

If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!! ...

32 2

This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!

22 0
Open
This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments. But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too! This is rewiring your brain in action. You notice you’re doing something you always did, Then do something different. And boom! A new pathway is born. It needs some love and attention to grow, so keep practicing!

This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing! ...

22 0

This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!

38 2
Open
This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should. Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too? I see you. Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!

This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2! ...

38 2

We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!

16 1
Open
We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!! Come on in… Let me show you around! This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends! Wanna join us? Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!

We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!! ...

16 1

There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️

32 9
Open
There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you. Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment. But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments. Just a reminder. Keep going. ❤️

There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️ ...

32 9

Boating! I forgot to add boating to the list 🛶

Regulation is found in the micro moments.

Which of these have you done lately?

60 8
Open
Boating! I forgot to add boating to the list 🛶 Regulation is found in the micro moments. Which of these have you done lately?

Boating! I forgot to add boating to the list 🛶

Regulation is found in the micro moments.

Which of these have you done lately? ...

60 8

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