How to balance your career and your health: dealing with MS in a healthy way

My mom works at Adobe, and she finds herself stressed frequently at work, so its incredibly important to balance your health with everyday life, and that includes managing your career. MS symptoms can fluctuate, making it challenging to maintain a stable routine, especially when it comes to work. However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to have a fulfilling career while still taking care of yourself and managing MS.

One of the first steps in maintaining a good work-life balance with MS is recognizing that your health must come first. MS can bring unexpected fatigue, cognitive challenges, and physical symptoms that might affect your workday. Acknowledging these factors and adjusting your expectations accordingly can prevent burnout and unnecessary stress. Setting realistic goals for both your personal and professional life is essential.

Know Your Limits

Understanding your personal limits is key. MS symptoms, like fatigue or brain fog, can fluctuate, so it’s important to listen to your body and recognize when you need to take a break. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking short breaks throughout the day can help you recharge and stay productive. You don’t have to push through everything—taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness, but a way to prevent exhaustion and flare-ups.

Communicate with Your Employer

If you’re comfortable, talking to your employer about your MS can help create a more supportive work environment. You don’t need to go into the specifics of your condition, but sharing that you might need accommodations—like flexible hours, more frequent breaks, or the option to work from home—can make a big difference. Employers are usually willing to make adjustments once they understand how they can support you, and the right accommodations can help you maintain both your career and health.

Use Time Management Techniques

Effective time management is essential for juggling work and MS. Try breaking up your tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and prioritize what needs to get done each day. If you struggle with focus, using apps or planners to stay organized can help you stay on track. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help when necessary—whether it's delegating tasks at work or asking friends and family to pitch in at home.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is important to avoid overworking yourself. This could mean setting specific hours for work and for rest, or deciding which tasks are most urgent so you can manage your time effectively. Protecting your personal time allows you to recharge, reducing the likelihood of burnout. Sometimes saying “no” to extra work or social events is necessary to protect your health.

Self-Care is Non-Negotiable

Self-care is a vital part of balancing work and MS. This includes both physical and mental care. Make time to exercise, eat healthy, and get enough sleep. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense; even a short walk or gentle yoga can help manage MS symptoms and boost energy levels. Additionally, mental health is just as important, so consider incorporating mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep-breathing exercises, into your routine. Taking time for yourself outside of work is essential to avoid stress and maintain a healthy balance.

Stay Flexible

The most important thing to remember when juggling MS and work is to stay flexible. MS can be unpredictable, and some days may be harder than others. Being open to adjusting your plans when needed—whether it’s working from home or rearranging your schedule—can reduce stress and help you maintain a more balanced approach to both work and health.