Today let’s talk about staying physically and mentally active. It’s so important when you have Myasthenia Gravis or any other kind of chronic condition. MG works to weaken your body. If allowed to do so, it will take over. Our muscles will atrophy to the point where we’re no longer capable of doing anything. MG can also weaken our minds by telling us we’re incapable of doing things, encouraging us to isolate ourselves from others, trying to make us victims and poisoning our attitudes.
Staying physically active when you have Myasthenia Gravis can be a challenge. When you’re constantly feeling fatigued, it’s hard to get motivated to exercise. In many cases, you have to force yourself. I’ve found exercising is less of a chore when I can walk outside and enjoy the beauty of everything God has created. The other day I saw an alligator swimming in the lake near our house. I even found beauty in this crusty old remnant of a dinosaur that was gliding effortlessly along the surface of the water.
Walking outside isn’t always possible, however. Living in Louisiana, walking outside is often quite a chore. During the summer, the temperatures will be in the 90’s nearly every day, but you’re also dealing with 85% or higher humidity. That takes a lot out of a person with MG. While I still walk my dogs each morning, I try to do so before it gets too hot and we only go a short distance. I supplement that by playing fetch with a ball in the backyard. Playing fetch is easier on me, but it assures their exercise needs are being met.
That short walk and ball playing don’t, however, meet my exercise needs. For that I go to the local fitness center. We’re blessed to have Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center in our area. It’s a beautiful facility with plenty to offer. This fully air-conditioned facility offers all kinds of machines, a walking/running track, qualified personal trainers and all the extras.
I first became acquainted with the fitness center when my cardiologist sent me to cardiac rehab there. I wasn’t really looking forward to the eight weeks of rehab, but I have to say, I really ended up enjoying it. Not only did it help me get in better shape, it taught me what I could and couldn’t do. The staff there are exemplary and so supportive.
After cardiac rehab, I made a promise to myself to keep on exercising at the fitness center. I was surprised to learn my Medicare Supplement plan would pay for the fitness center fee provided I went at least ten times per month. Knowing I have such a great benefit (and not wanting to lose it) has become an additional incentive for me to keep going on a regular basis. There are days when I try to talk myself out of going, but since I know I need at least ten days a month, I make it happen.
I highly encourage you to check with your insurance to see if they will pay anything towards a gym membership. It never hurts to ask, and you might be surprised. If employed, you may also want to check with your employer as many companies offer reimbursement of gym membership fees.
It’s extremely important that you keep moving when you have MG and a nice, clean, comfortable, air-conditioned facility may be just what you need. Besides the physical exercise you’ll be getting, you may also meet some new friends and that’s always a plus.
Just as it’s important to keep physically active, we must keep our minds active, as well. Watching tv may be fun and a great way to pass the day, but it doesn’t really challenge you mentally or physically.
There are several ways to keep your mind fit. One is to read. When we read, we not only take in the words we’re reading, but we also form mental images in our minds. An intriguing book can take us to far-away adventures and excitement. We can live the author’s words and place ourselves right into the story. If reading is difficult due to eyesight problems, most books are also available in an audiobook form where you can listen to someone read the story for you.
Another way is to utilize some of the many online games we can find in apps on our phones or tablets. Many of the word and math games help us refresh skills that may have become a little rusty over time. Even games like Mahjong can help with memory and dexterity. If you’re not into online games, many communities offer physical Mahjong groups where you can play in-person with other people. These groups will not only get you out of the house, but they will also offer you a chance to socialize with others.
Another way I enjoy exercising my mind is by practicing appreciation. Years ago, I discovered when you take the time to appreciate, you begin to see life as a blessing.
We so often get stuck in the rut of finding fault and complaining about everything. My house isn’t big enough, my car is old, my kids don’t visit me as often as I’d like, I can’t get around like I used to, MG controls my life. Can you see how easily this can snowball?
What if, when we had those thoughts, we turned them into something positive. My house isn’t big enough, but it’s comfortable and I appreciate having a place to live. My car is old, but it still gets me around. My kids don’t visit me as often as I’d like, but I understand their lives are busy and I just appreciate having them in my life and am grateful for any time we spend together. I can’t get around like I used to, but I can still get around and for that, I am thankful. MG controls my life, but I’m taking my life back. I may have MG, but I’m not going to allow it to control me.
When faced with negative thoughts, replacing them with a positive puts you in a completely different mindset. You go from a mindset of victim to a mindset of strength. You go from “poor me” to “blessed me” and life begins to look so much better.
Those are a few ways I use to improve my mental fitness. By exercising our minds on a regular basis and taking a mindset of strength and appreciation, we’re strengthening our minds and focusing them in the right direction. There is so much in this world of which to be appreciative. We just need to choose to do so. Appreciation is an attitude.
Myasthenia Gravis may be a nuisance, but it doesn’t need to control your life. YOU control your life.
You may have MG, but MG doesn’t have you.
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