Thinking too much

[Neworleanslady]

I really find that when I am not thinking about my walking that I can walk a lot better. But when I think about my steps and balance while I’m walking it seems to be more taxing. Any thoughts on what i can occupy my mind with (other than listening to music, i do that when appropriate) while I’m walking so that I am not so focused on my balance and drop foot and tight muscles?

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

Neworleanslady I hum and sing a lot when I walk. I do notice that when I do that, my balance and gait is much better. People do stare at me when I belt out the "Star Spangled Banner" when I am out and about, so prepare for that, and dogs howling! But that just might be me!

Keep Smiling,

Carole

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

My dog? Neworleanslady 😊 I find taking my dog with me, helps me. I also have footdrop and balance issues. So I concentrate on him and his training. So maybe you can borrow a 🐶🤗💕

J🌌

[greaterexp]

This may be silly, but have you ever taken a camera/phone along and focus on finding photo-worthy subjects while outside? What about keeping track of your time with a stopwatch you keep your eye on? Chewing gum and counting each chew? Carrying light hand weights and concentrate on swinging your arms? Repeating an odd sequence of numbers like 1,8,11...2,9,12?

If you find something that helps, please share it with us!

[falalalala]

I am the same way. I have to be mindful of how I walk as I am more likely to auger into the ground if I don't.This is not to say that I need intense concentration for every step but I do pay attention way more than before I had MS.

[Neworleanslady]

All good ideas i will try. Thank you! I do have dogs-

[RoseySawyer]

All the above. 😊 I remember when I got out the hospital back in 2016 and had to learn to walk again, therapy would always say heel, toe, heel, toe. So when I got out I would always think in my head heel, toe until my neighbor said I looked like a duck walking. Lol so I just started to think of other things besides my walking and the duck feet stopped. It's hard not to think about how to walk. I just started thinking about other things like my new future and took my furbabies on my walks with me. My furbabies helped alot since I was so focused on them. 😊❤🌷

[anaishunter]

Before I knew I had MS, it was like I had to concentrate a lot to walk in a straight line from point A to point B - I really only realized this since I've been under treatment and feeling better. I don't have to think and spend as much energy walking straight focusing on what's 3 feet ahead of me.

The downside is that now I walk around more confidently and faster. But when I get a hit, it's a lot worse. I've felt flat on my face after tripping - about once a week. This is my weekly date with the ground.

[erash]

Me too. Although I may be thinking more about my walking when it doesnt feel right. So what came first-chicken or egg🤷‍♀️