Types of Stress and How to Manage It


Stress: Types and How to Manage it

Stress is a funny thing. It can be a good thing for us, but it can also be a terrible. Stress can manifest itself in numerous ways within our bodies, from pain, to sleeplessness, to forgetfulness, to headaches, and many many others. But how does stress affect individuals who have Multiple Sclerosis?

Types of Stress

Physical

Physical stress is the workout you completed earlier, or your blood pressure response when you got cut off coming home from work, or for us MSers, the physiological changes that can occur with MS (spasticity, weakness, etc.). These types of changes can increase the demand we put on our bodies and possibly set us up for injury if we aren’t being aware and careful. Being consistent with staying active is one way to combat these issues, possibly working with a trainer or physical therapist if needed. Consistently being active helps our muscles stay in shape and conditioned. Keeping up physical strength is always beneficial as well, regardless of your diagnosis.

Emotional

Emotional stress can be anything that is stressful for you. Having a fight with a loved one, thinking about health issues or getting a new Chronic Illness diagnosis. Emotional stress can also quickly turn into chronic stress if we’re not careful. Chronic stress is when we don’t really “turn off” our feelings of stress, or flight or fight. The flight or fight response involves our sympathetic nervous system. This is an automatic system that helps us to defend against acute stressors, like a bear attack for example. When this fight or flight system is activated, it sets off a cascade of hormones in our bodies that helps us prepare for one such bear. However, when we’re in chronic stress mode, and we’re experiencing stressor after stressor, these hormones still come cascading throughout our bodies. This leads to these hormones being released constantly, which can ultimately damage our nervous system and create a multitude of health problems.

Stress and MS

Both physical and emotional stress can create a variety of symptoms. Since we have MS, we have to be extra careful when it comes to dealing with stress. It seems to be a hotly debated topic, but in the research I’ve read when a ‘stressful life event’ occurs (again, anything that is stressful for you), a relapse can often follow. Now, that’s not to say that it will DEFINITELY happen, but it is something to watch out for, and all the more reason to find ways to manage stress on a daily basis. So when that ‘stressful life event’ does occur, you’re that much more prepared to jump into action and know what works best for you in managing your stress.

Managing Stress

So what are some things that actually work?
  • Obviously I’ll be adding exercise to the list 😉 Engaging in exercise can increase your endorphins, which are the feel good hormones. Endorphins increase your mood and your natural ability to de-stress. Exercise also will strengthen your muscles and create physical stabilization. Exercise is a one two punch for stress management! However, exercise is also a form of stress. So this is a fine line. If you’re super stressed would I recommend a super hard workout? Probably not. But I would recommend a restorative workout that you’ve already figured out works for you. 
  • Yes, I believe deep breathing works. It’s cliche, but it’s scientifically proven, at least the way I do it and teach it. Hold your breath for 4 counts, breathe in for four counts, hold it again for four counts, then exhale for four counts. This is called ‘square breathing’ (just one name for it) and it activates our parasympathetic nervous system, so our bodies can chill out.
  • Something else that I have been playing around with lately more and more has been meditation. I’ve used several apps, (Headspace is a good starter and Insight Timer are my favorites) and they’ve been great. I like guided meditation, because it’s too hard for me right now to just sit quietly and quiet my own thoughts. I need something to focus on besides the noise in my head.
  • Getting enough sleep can be on any list to improve any symptom, in my opinion. But for stress management in people with MS, its extra important. Stress can interfere with getting a good nights sleep, and not having enough sleep can increase fatigue and decrease ability to manage stress and difficult situations. Nasty catch-22 right? During times of increased stress, make sleep a priority, even if that means saying “no” to some things you would normally say “yes” to.
  • Consider alternative therapies or getting professional help. Finding alternative outlets for your stress, including arts, music, tai chi, massage or therapy can be very useful. Talking with a professional about specific techniques, then how to implement them can also be helpful. Mindfulness is another “trending” topic as of late. According to research published in 2014, individuals with MS who engaged in mindfulness stated they had a better quality of life, reduced fatigue and improved mental health. Pretty good reasons to try it out I’d say!
There are many things that can be considered stress-reducing. As long as it brings you comfort and enjoyment, go for it. I like to tell people to make these activities a daily habit, so when you really need them, you already know what works, what doesn’t and how you go about doing them. Because really, when you’re freaking out, do you really want to be learning something new on top of it all? Probably not. Practice makes Perfect!
What are some methods that have worked for you? Let me know in the comments below!

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,

follow along on Instagram:

Just a guess…

Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.

I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)

Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style.. 
But unable to say no when asked to do anything.. 

You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..

In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.

Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.

Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life

Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth

Just a guess…

Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.

I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)

Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style..
But unable to say no when asked to do anything..

You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..

In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.

Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.

Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life

Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth
...

17 1
Stress & MS!!

• How our nervous system should function 
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response

Stress & MS!!

• How our nervous system should function
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response
...

9 0
First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience- 
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!

Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse. 

My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???

While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t. 
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)

You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so. 

If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”. 

I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..

then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”

You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡

Try this instead: 
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud. 
- How did that feel to your mind and body? 

If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience. 

This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse. 

We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!! 

#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior

First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience-
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!

Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse.

My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???

While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t.
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)

You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so.

If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”.

I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..

then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”

You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡

Try this instead:
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud.
- How did that feel to your mind and body?

If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience.

This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse.

We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!!

#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior
...

5 3
This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)

And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
 I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too. 

Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems

This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)

And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too.

Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems
...

18 5
More ways my life has changed 
👇🏼👇🏼

- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things 
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need 
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs 
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!

These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too” 
But they absolutely will!!

I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.

The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness

More ways my life has changed
👇🏼👇🏼

- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!

These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too”
But they absolutely will!!

I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.

The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness
...

19 3
Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?

You betcha.

Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..

Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.

When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.

Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush

The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.

Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress? 

I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.

Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving

Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?

You betcha.

Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..

Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.

When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.

Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush

The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.

Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress?

I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.

Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving
...

18 3
First, save this for later!

Second, what you gotta know about “managing stress” is:
it really matters how you care for yourself in the moment and afterwards

You see, most of us know when we’re experiencing moments of stress, 
but we don’t know how to attend to ourselves to mitigate the impacts.

It all comes down to awareness of:
- Your present moment 
- How that moment is impacting your body 

Once you’re aware of how the stress you’re experiencing is impacting you and your body, THEN you can start attending to yourself and changing how your body handles stress.

👆🏼👆🏼that’s also how we mitigate stress induced MS symptoms or relapses.

Awareness is always the first step babe.

Wanna know more?

Come to my Masterclass all about stress + MS, Cultivating Resilience 

Comment ATTEND below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #spoonielife #thisisms

First, save this for later!

Second, what you gotta know about “managing stress” is:
it really matters how you care for yourself in the moment and afterwards

You see, most of us know when we’re experiencing moments of stress,
but we don’t know how to attend to ourselves to mitigate the impacts.

It all comes down to awareness of:
- Your present moment
- How that moment is impacting your body

Once you’re aware of how the stress you’re experiencing is impacting you and your body, THEN you can start attending to yourself and changing how your body handles stress.

👆🏼👆🏼that’s also how we mitigate stress induced MS symptoms or relapses.

Awareness is always the first step babe.

Wanna know more?

Come to my Masterclass all about stress + MS, Cultivating Resilience

Comment ATTEND below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #spoonielife #thisisms
...

7 1
Yes I had been moving consistently
Yes I had been eating my veggies

But, the big thing that has helped over the last few years is regulating my nervous system.

You wouldn’t necessarily think so right away but let me explain..

You see, working on your nervous system means improving the amount of stress your body can handle.

And when your body can handle more stress, you can do more things (like walk miles and miles)

Stress is one of the biggest triggers for MS symptoms and relapses, so working on your nervous system usually brings MS symptom relief.

ESPECIALLY when you’ve “done everything” and “nothing works”

I’m hosting a Masterclass on Feb 18th:
The MS Stress Solution

Inside you’ll learn my blueprint for nervous system regulation that I’ve used with my clients.

Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #stressmanagement

Yes I had been moving consistently
Yes I had been eating my veggies

But, the big thing that has helped over the last few years is regulating my nervous system.

You wouldn’t necessarily think so right away but let me explain..

You see, working on your nervous system means improving the amount of stress your body can handle.

And when your body can handle more stress, you can do more things (like walk miles and miles)

Stress is one of the biggest triggers for MS symptoms and relapses, so working on your nervous system usually brings MS symptom relief.

ESPECIALLY when you’ve “done everything” and “nothing works”

I’m hosting a Masterclass on Feb 18th:
The MS Stress Solution

Inside you’ll learn my blueprint for nervous system regulation that I’ve used with my clients.

Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #stressmanagement
...

11 6
Get in MS girlie, we have stress to manage 💅

But seriously… stress management is the KEY to symptom management when you live with MS or any autoimmune disease or chronic illness.

You see- STRESS is where our autoimmune diseases alllll started.

Either due to emotional stress, physical stress, environmental stress… you get the picture, stress is the problem.

And unfortunately- it’s never going away, we can only learn how to manage it better for ourselves and our bodies.

Totally lost on how to do that? I got you!

I’m hosting a free masterclass all about how to manage stress in your daily lives- and in a way that doesn’t add a ton to your already packed to-do list.

Wanna sign up? Duh..
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #stressmanagement #seasonaldepression #healingmultiplesclerosis

Get in MS girlie, we have stress to manage 💅

But seriously… stress management is the KEY to symptom management when you live with MS or any autoimmune disease or chronic illness.

You see- STRESS is where our autoimmune diseases alllll started.

Either due to emotional stress, physical stress, environmental stress… you get the picture, stress is the problem.

And unfortunately- it’s never going away, we can only learn how to manage it better for ourselves and our bodies.

Totally lost on how to do that? I got you!

I’m hosting a free masterclass all about how to manage stress in your daily lives- and in a way that doesn’t add a ton to your already packed to-do list.

Wanna sign up? Duh..
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #stressmanagement #seasonaldepression #healingmultiplesclerosis
...

5 0
It’s amazing what taking a few minutes to breathe and reassure yourself can do, ya know??

If you have MS and this gives you an immediate uncomfy feeling in your gut because you never advocate for yourself and your needs, 

You need to come to my next Masterclass:
Managing Stress to Manage MS

We’ll be talking about:
* How Stress Works: Discover how your body’s stress response system operates and why it plays such a big role in your overall health.
* Stress and MS: Understand how stress impacts MS symptoms and why it can sometimes make symptom flares worse.
* Building Your Resilience: Get simple, effective strategies to boost your stress resilience and help ease MS symptoms for a healthier, more balanced life.

Happening February 10th at 6pm EST!
Comment NEEDS below and I’ll send you the link to register! 

#multiplesclerosis #lissms #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms

It’s amazing what taking a few minutes to breathe and reassure yourself can do, ya know??

If you have MS and this gives you an immediate uncomfy feeling in your gut because you never advocate for yourself and your needs,

You need to come to my next Masterclass:
Managing Stress to Manage MS

We’ll be talking about:
* How Stress Works: Discover how your body’s stress response system operates and why it plays such a big role in your overall health.
* Stress and MS: Understand how stress impacts MS symptoms and why it can sometimes make symptom flares worse.
* Building Your Resilience: Get simple, effective strategies to boost your stress resilience and help ease MS symptoms for a healthier, more balanced life.

Happening February 10th at 6pm EST!
Comment NEEDS below and I’ll send you the link to register!

#multiplesclerosis #lissms #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms
...

9 1

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