Get Your Beach Body Ready

Is your beach body ready? No? Mine isn't either. Are you ready to sweat like a pig? No? Me either! With summer here, we all look forward to fun in the sun, BBQs, ice cream, and going to the beach. I love summer activities but I dread the heat. I hate the heat! My cutoff temperature is 80-82 degrees. Anything hotter, I'm miserable. And I sweat. A LOT. I have an autoimmune disorder that affects hormones and body temp, so when I get overheated I can't cool down, just like with MS. I feel like jello. I can feel pins and needles all over my body. I just shut down. I short circuit. I feel like I'm going in slow-mo or I'm in quicksand. Did I mention I sweat a lot? 

MS and heat don't typically mix well. Symptoms often feel worse. Imagine wearing five layers of heavy, wet clothing and walking around in 90 degree heat. Then add in the humidity. You become lethargic, weak, fatigued, and you feel like jello. Your body wants to shut down, turn off, and crash. For those who don't have MS or autoimmune disorder, it's hard for them to understand. It's not like you're just hot. You can't just put a fan on and be fine. It can HOURS to cool down. My mom and I have to plan our actives around the weather. If it's over a certain temp, we doesn't go. We know our limits. We know what we can handle. I know it can be very frustrating and depressing sometimes for her when it's too hot and she can't get out. I know she and fellow MSers carry some guilt about it. I don't take it personally and I'm okay with it because I can't handle the heat either. So on days we can't get out, we make our fun inside! Netflix, got to the movies, board games, crafts, and cooking and baking.

Some people just don't understand what the heat does to someone with MS. It's so hard to explain to someone how you feel in the heat. The heat unleashes such havoc on your body. My tip to those who do not have MS: don't get mad at someone who has MS for canceling plans because it's too hot. Don't get mad at someone who has MS who doesn't want to come out the house because the heat has depleted all their energy. When they get overheated, just getting out of bed can be a challenge for them. Do you think they want to cancel plans? No. Do you think they want to be inside while the sun is shinning? No way! Do you think they don't want to be at your function? Of course they do! They didn't ask for this. So don't make them feel any worse than they already do. 

Summer tips for those living with MS:

1. Air conditioning. Central air, window units, portable room units, and fans. 

2. Use cooling towels/vests. I wasn't sure of them at first, but I'm a believer!

3. Drink water. Hydrate. Repeat.

4. If it's too hot outside for you, stay in. 

5. Don't over do it.

6. If it's cooler in the morning, get your errands completed while it's bearable for you.

7. Sit in the shade whenever possible.

8. Get in that pool! Put your feet in the kiddie pool. Go through the sprinkler. 

9. Dress cool. Wear comfortable clothing. Sleep naked if you have to!

10. Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream! My favorite and most important tip!

By the way, your beach body is perfect just the way it is!

What do you guys do to stay cool in this blistering heat?