4 Summer Survival Tips for MS Fatigue (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Living with Multiple Sclerosis? Then you know summer isn’t just about sun and sandals. It’s also testing full-blown your nervous system.
MS and heat sensitivity? Not a cute combo.
☀️ Too hot to read right now? I get it — if you’re melting and just want the quick fix, skip the story and grab your free 5-Minute Energy Reset Cheat Sheet right here. Come back later for the full tips (they’re worth it, promise). 💛
I still remember last week, flopped across the couch like a forgotten popsicle. My hair was plastered to my forehead, I was cranky for no good reason, and even my imaginary dog could have gave me a look like, “Seriously, we’re not going for a walk?” That’s when I knew: summer had officially arrived.
Now, I live in a country where high temperatures last maybe four weeks a year—so investing in air conditioning doesn’t really make sense. But try telling that to my MS-riddled nervous system, which reacts to heat like someone just pressed the panic button.
And to make things even spicier? After the heatwaves, the temperatures drop at night like a rock. The kind of yo-yo weather that sends my system into a tailspin. Cue flare-ups, fatigue, and sleepless nights that feel like a cosmic joke.
But here’s the good news: I’ve learned to adapt.
Over the years, I’ve developed a weird-but-wonderful little summer survival kit for MS. Today, I’m sharing the most lifesaving ones with you, because surviving summer shouldn’t feel like dragging yourself through hot molasses.
Skip the Icy Showers
I know. I love a freezing shower too. But hear me out: a cold shock might feel amazing for 30 seconds, but your body will immediately start heating up to rebalance your internal temperature.
Instead, go for a cool—not freezing—shower, and let yourself air-dry. It’s one of the simplest,
Cold Washcloths: Tiny But Mighty
I keep a damp washcloth in the fridge or freezer, then gently press it to my:
• Neck
• Wrists
• Behind the knees
These pulse points help cool the blood and signal your system to settle. It’s like hitting the body’s reset button — simple and surprisingly effective.
Flip Your Routine
I try to get errands, movement, or even light housework done in the early morning or late evening, when the sun isn’t trying to roast me alive. Bonus tip? I prep meals ahead so I’m not standing over a hot stove when the heat peaks.
Little planning = major fatigue prevention
Sleep Smart (Even Without AC)
Sleep is sacred! And in the summer, it can also be elusive.
If you’re dealing with heat + MS symptoms, here are a few things that help me:
• Light cotton sheets that breathe well
• A fan near the window to pull in cooler night air
• Chilled rice bag or cold-water bottle by my feet (sounds weird, works wonders)
It’s all about creating a calm microclimate around your body while you sleep, because rest is how we repair.
Here’s the Real Truth…
Living with MS means becoming a kind of body detective. Every season brings its own set of mysteries — and summer can feel like the trickiest of all.
But it is possible to live well through it.
Not by pushing through.
Not by ignoring your symptoms.
But by adapting with intention, and showing your nervous system a little love.
And if you’ve been nodding along with this post, if you’re tired of the fatigue crashes, the heat-triggered brain fog, the nervous system overwhelm…
then I have something you’ll want in your corner.
🌞 Download My Free 5-Minute Energy Reset Cheat Sheet
I created this quick, practical guide to help you shift from drained to recharged, even on tough days.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
• Gently reset your nervous system
• Move your body (without pushing it)
• Reclaim a sense of calm, clarity, and energy — in just 5 minutes
This isn’t about “fixing” your MS. It’s about giving your body the support it’s craving, in ways that are doable, even when you’re at your limit.
Because energy isn’t just about doing more, it’s about doing what works for you.
And if this resonated with you, stay connected. I share raw stories, gentle reminders, and practical tools every week in my free newsletter — all designed to help you live well with MS, without sugarcoating or overwhelm.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.
Vanessa