3 Ways I’ve Managed Overachiever Syndrome While Living With MS | MyMSTeam

Connect with others who understand.

sign up log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
NEWS

3 Ways I’ve Managed Overachiever Syndrome While Living With MS

Written by Brittany Quiroz
Posted on December 28, 2021

We’ve all been there: The to-do list is a mile long, an unrealistic deadline is on the calendar to accomplish everything, and the kids are throwing the stink eye while you figure out what sort of dinner you can make with an open box of pasta, a frozen turkey burger, a tomato, and part of an onion.

Normally, I’m a pro at managing my schedule, but during some weeks, my body has different plans. Fatigue sets in, my limbs keep gaslighting me, and my monthly infusion decides to test my hostility limits. Did I mention I can’t feel the left side of my face?

Managing a chronic disease like multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a full-time job. Scheduling MRI scans, presenting for treatments, making appointments with the neurologist, battling with the insurance company, taking two trips to CVS because the pharmacy made a mistake — the list goes on. And, if I really want to show off, my body starts treating autoimmune diseases like collectors’ items — except there is no prize for people who collect them all.

So, how do I shift my schedule around when my body tells me no, without feeling like a complete failure? There are myriad ways, but I want to share three key factors that help me get through each week.

1. I Accept That I Can’t Do It All

I admit I suffer from overachiever syndrome. I thrive on the feeling of accomplishment — superhero status — until my cape gets stuck in a fan and strangles me to death. Having a knack for shifting things around is key for anyone living with a chronic illness. Accepting that I can’t do it all is imperative. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened my schedule and moved things to the following day, or even the following week.

2. I Always Have a Backup Plan

It’s important to always have a backup plan. This might mean having some ready-made dinners handy, creating a go-to chore list the kids are familiar with, or letting the family know my body isn’t cooperating and I need some quiet time to rest.

3. I’ve Gotten Comfortable Saying ‘No’

Most importantly, I’ve gotten really comfortable with saying the word “no.” Humans are preprogrammed to fear disappointing others, but what happens when I push myself too far? I end up worsening my symptoms, it takes five times longer to accomplish a task, and I leave behind a wake of hostility. It’s OK to reschedule that afternoon lunch meeting. Plus, the laundry isn’t going anywhere, and the dog can stink for one more week.

So I revel in the “no,” and there is no guilt in this dojo!

MyMSTeam columnists discuss multiple sclerosis from a specific point of view. Columnists' articles don’t reflect the opinions of MyMSTeam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. MyMSTeam content isn't intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Posted on December 28, 2021
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Become a Subscriber

Get the latest news about multiple sclerosis sent to your inbox.

Brittany Quiroz is a freelance writer and the creator of A Hot MS, a site built to help change the perception of what disability looks like. Learn more about her here.

Related articles

In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...

Stress, Affording Treatment, and Quality of Life With MS: See Survey Results

In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...
YogaVista.tv and MyMSTeam have partnered to bring you these mini-lessons or "yoga snacks."

Easy Movement Videos for People With MS

YogaVista.tv and MyMSTeam have partnered to bring you these mini-lessons or "yoga snacks."
After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...

How I Got Over My Fear of Needles To Have My Best Shot With MS

After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...
In partnership with GoodRx
As time goes on, we encounter a staggering number of changes, and we feel the growth of our new w...

Ask the MS Warrior: How I Explain My ‘Bad Days’ to Others

As time goes on, we encounter a staggering number of changes, and we feel the growth of our new w...
Jenna Green was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS at the age of 31. After her insurance comp...

Living With Multiple Sclerosis: How Jenna Green Became an Advocate

Jenna Green was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS at the age of 31. After her insurance comp...

Recent articles

People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) again face the choice of whether to get an updated mes...

MS Symptoms and COVID-19 Vaccines: Is There a Relapse Risk?

People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) again face the choice of whether to get an updated mes...
If you are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), you have probably searched the internet for healt...

Reliable Health Websites: 6 Tips To Find Trustworthy MS Info Online

If you are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), you have probably searched the internet for healt...
Samantha Salvaggio Vanderman is a chronic illness coach, personal trainer, and behavior change s...

Overcome MS: 4 Tips for Choosing a Treatment

Samantha Salvaggio Vanderman is a chronic illness coach, personal trainer, and behavior change s...
If you’re having flares more often, or if they leave you feeling significantly worse than before,...

Should You Be on an Advanced MS Treatment? 5 Symptoms To Look For

If you’re having flares more often, or if they leave you feeling significantly worse than before,...
This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...

Self-Kindness When Struggling: 6-Minute Guided Meditation

This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...
MS News
MS News

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more:

sign up for free

close