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The MAY 50K: Done and dusted! What next?
The May 50K! Done and dusted! What next?
The May 50K challenge is a great initiative. It raises awareness and funds for MS, gets people moving, and brings attention to how important physical activity is. But once May is over, the question becomes: what now? For people living with MS, staying active isn’t just a once-a-year event. It’s something that can make a real difference to your everyday life — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
Why Consistent Movement Matters
Consistent movement that focuses on your difficulties and problem areas has been shown to:
Reduce MS-related fatigue
Improve mobility and balance
Help with mood and mental clarity
Support strength and independence over time
It’s not about pushing yourself to extremes — it’s about targeted, regular movement that helps you function better.
More Than Just Exercise
Being well with MS isn’t just about movement. There are five key areas — or pillars — that all affect how you feel and function. If you’re only focusing on one, it is easy to get stuck. But when you pay attention to all five, you have a better chance of improving your quality of life.
The 5 Pillars of MS Wellness
Exercise / Movement
Exercise can improve how you feel and what you're capable of. Including cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises can make a big difference.
Nutrition
What you eat can affect your energy, inflammation, and symptoms. A balanced, whole-food diet can support better daily function.
Rest & Recovery
MS fatigue is real. Getting enough rest and quality sleep matters more than most people think.
Mindset / Mental Health
Managing stress, emotions, and mental fatigue helps you cope and stay motivated.
Connection & Purpose
Having supportive relationships and something meaningful to focus on can improve overall wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
Once the May 50K challenge is over, your health journey is just beginning. Keeping up with regular movement and taking care of your overall wellness can help you manage MS more effectively. The good news is you don’t need to change everything at once. Even small steps across these five areas can help you feel more in control and improve your daily life.
Want Help With That?
I’ve put together a simple MS Wellness Toolkit. It’s a free download that explains each of the five pillars, gives you practical ideas, and helps you get started.
Final Thoughts
Living with MS can be a challenging. But there are practical ways to support yourself and improve your quality of life. The key is knowing where to focus and how to make it work for you
written by
DISCOVER, UNCOVER, RECOVER
Dr Susan de Beer
PhD (Biokinetics)
Pr no: 7591012
Tel No: +27 (082) 940 7194
Address: Lassie street 704, Garsfontein,
Pretoria, South Africa, 0081
Email address: susan@riab.co.za
Online bookings: recomed