I live with a rare condition called Myasthenia Gravis (MG), and I wish more people understood how it touches every part of my life, from the work I do to the routines that get me through each day. Before I dive into what that looks like, let’s start with what MG actually is.
This blog post was made in partnership with NOWINCLUDED, powered by Acclinate. I was paid for my time, but everything I share here reflects my honest experience.
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic neuromuscular autoimmune disease that disrupts the communication between your nerves and muscles. In a typical body, nerves send signals to your muscles using a chemical called acetylcholine. This is the messenger responsible for helping you move, breathe, chew, and complete your everyday tasks.
With MG, the immune system mistakenly attacks the receptors that receive those signals. When fewer receptors are available, the messages from your nerves don’t land the way they should, causing muscles to become weak and easily fatigued. You can read a deeper breakdown of MG at NOWINCLUDED’s MG Overview.
Living with Myasthenia Gravis has changed many aspects of my daily life. I’m more intentional and have learned to take pleasure in the simplest of things. While challenging at times, MG has reshaped how I move through my days. Here’s what that looks like for me.
My Morning Routines Look Different Now
Before I even hop out of bed, I take a moment to check in with my body. Are my feet still achy? Are my legs feeling sturdy or more like wet noodles? These small observations set the pace for my day. On high-pain or recovery days, slower mornings are essential. I use these mornings to move, stretch, or practice meditation gently. On days following my infusion treatments, I experience increased strength and energy, which allows me to do activities like Pilates or yoga. Paying attention to my body first thing in the morning helps me honor my limits while still making space for what I enjoy.
I Plan Everything Around My Energy
If I’m being honest, I often have only one or two tasks worth my full energy each day. While the average person without an autoimmune condition might pull from an unlimited energy supply, mine is finite and precious. This means I have to choose carefully what deserves my effort.
Sometimes that looks like spacing out tasks, batching easier chores together, or rearranging the order of the day based on how my symptoms are showing up. I’ve learned to recognize the early signs of fatigue and adjust before hitting my limit. Breaks are a mandatory part of my schedule; they’re not optional, but essential for preserving energy and preventing flare-ups.
I Build Rest Into My Schedule
Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. I try to rest before I become exhausted. Whether I’m working remotely, running errands, or doing household chores, I intentionally schedule breaks. Sometimes this is a short pause to breathe or stretch; sometimes it’s a nap that refreshes me for the rest of the day. Resting consistently helps me function better and reduces the risk of pushing my body into a full symptom flare.
I Use Small Resets Throughout the Day
Even on days when I feel relatively strong, I weave in tiny moments of recovery. Breathing exercises, gentle stretching, closing my eyes, hydrating, or simply resting my neck for a few minutes are all examples of these “small resets.” These little pauses may seem minor, but they have a significant impact on my comfort, energy levels, and overall well-being. They also reinforce a mindset of prioritizing my body’s needs rather than pushing through at any cost.
I Honor My Symptoms Instead of Fighting Them
One of the most important lessons MG has taught me is to honor my body’s signals instead of ignoring them. Droopy eyelids? I rest my eyes. Slurred speech? I pause and let my mouth recover. Heaviness in my limbs? I sit down instead of pushing through. This intentional response has changed not only my daily routines but also my relationship with my body. It’s a practice of listening, respecting, and trusting what my body needs in the moment.
MG has changed my routines, but it has also changed how I treat myself. I am gentler, more patient, and more compassionate with my body. I treat myself better, not as someone weakened by illness, but as someone learning to thrive within my limits. And that has made all the difference.
Have you or someone you love been affected by Myasthenia Gravis or another chronic illness?
Share your experience in the comments.
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