One thing that almost all people with Epilepsy struggle with is self control. We see others out doing things that we wish we could do. Now don't get me wrong - Epilepsy should not hold a person back from being who they want to be - However, the sad truth is that some things should be avoided by people with Epilepsy in order to stay healthy.
In order to practice self control, one must make certain lifestyle changes. Some changes are easier than others to make, but with practice and a good support system, these can be achieved. Here is my ultimate list of what I have found to be the most helpful lifestyle changes. So read on to learn what these changes can do for you and your struggle with Epilepsy.
1. Learning to calm down - This lifestyle change is good for anyone; not just people who have Epilepsy. Nonetheless, people with Epilepsy can benefit greatly from learning to calm themselves under stressful situations. Stress is one of the #1 causes of seizures, so it is important to keep that part of your life in check.
As I mentioned, you need a good support system. Whether that system be made up of family, friends, etc., you need to develop one. Ask your support system to let you know when you seem "too stressed out," since sometimes we do not realize that we are stressed out. People who know you well can sense what you are feeling easily.If you feel that you are yet to find that good support system, or want to know how to notice stress on your own, here are a few good tips:
- Look out for the signs and symptoms of stress. If you have a migraine headache, feel exhausted for no apparent reason, have racing thoughts, decreased sex drive, digestive problems, chest palpitations, problems concentrating, excessive eating/ loss of appetite, "Lashing-Out" or temper flares for no apparent reason, or any of these symptoms - you are most likely undergoing a serious stressful situation.
- Find things to do that are physically, mentally, and emotionally relaxing. This does not include watching TV, playing video games, or doing anything electronically. To understand why and see activities that are truly relaxing, please see my other article Relaxation and Epilepsy.
- Avoid what causes you stress. Is it your boyfriend, relative, coworker, or friend? Maybe it's those late nights hanging out with your friends that makes you so tired in the morning, or the long drives home from work. Try to take a break and seclude yourself for a day or two from the people that are stressing you out. Try not to stay out so late so you can get your rest, and get a ride to or home from work every now and then when you just don't have the energy.
- Plan out your stress-relieving activities ahead of time. Make it a point to do something relaxing at least once a week, and keep it a part of your schedule. Let others know that (for example) Friday is your day to sleep in, go fishing, or spend a day at the spa.
When you sense you are stressed out, make a plan to help you calm down. Breathing slowly and deeply can often help a lot of people. Such as breathing in and out of a paper bag. You've seen it in the movies, but it's no joke - it really works. For some, you may need a prescription medication such as Xanax or Klonopin to help you calm down if you suffer from severe panic attacks. This is between you and your doctor. I don't recommend getting on one of these drugs right away, as they can become addictive and hard to get off of. They can even cause seizures in some people.
Try sniffing peppermint oil - see my How to Live Well with Epilepsy - Part I - Natural Treatments article. Peppermint oil can ease many forms of stress, such as migraine headaches, digestive problems, and anxiety.
2. Saying NO to Alcohol and Drugs - I'm sure by now this phrase sounds not only generic, but extremely repetitive. However, it is important to know that alcohol and drugs have horrible affects on your body. Alcohol can not only counteract your medication, but it can stress out the brain and can induce seizures if taken in large quantities - and for some, even in small quantities. The same goes for drugs such as cocaine, PCP, Ecstasy, illegal steroids, and many more. For a full list of drugs that induce seizures, click here. To learn a few more facts about alcohol and Epilepsy, click here.
3. Get more rest. The average person needs about 8 hours of sleep each night to function their best. But did you know that people with Epilepsy need 8 full hours of sleep each night to function at all? A tired brain is more susceptible to being a mentally stressed out brain. So if you are a parent, put your children to sleep early. Take away the NintendoDS's, lock up the laptops, and turn out the lights. Please also read this small article from Epilepsy.com about Sleep and Epilepsy.
4. Eat right. If you are obese, under your target weight, or eating trigger foods, you are in danger. This is a topic that could have me going on forever and ever, so please visit the following links to help you eat right and control your seizures:
- My article on Vegilepsy and Seizures Triggered by Food
- Obesity Common in Kids with Epilepsy
- How to Avoid Food Triggered Seizures
- ***CalorieCount - a FREE online diet control program. Easy to use, full of great tips!***
- Eating a hearty breakfast may keep seizures at bay
- Ketogenic Diet for Seizures
- MAD (Modified Atkins Diet) for Epilepsy
5. Limit electronic usage. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Electronics such as computers, iPads, cell phones, video games, mp3's, etc. can all stress out the eyes and brain in several ways. Too much noise from the radio or mp3 can cause mental stress and send a person into a seizure frenzy, and excessive electronic usage can confuse the brain and eyes. One should always use electronics in a well lit room, reduce the brightness of the screens, and only use their devices for limited amounts of time (no longer than an hour). If one must use electronics for longer than one hour, breaks of 15 minutes or more are necessary. Click here to learn more about how electronics affect and stress out your brain.
6. Exercise regularly. If you are awake enough, and healthy enough, you should exercise regularly. This is one thing that you need to ask your doctor about first. Some people with Epilepsy may not be able to handle all types of exercise. For instance, sometimes I cannot handle jogging but I can handle long walks. You should try to do some type of exercising 4 to 5 times a week. Great examples of exercising are weight lifting, jogging, pilates, resistance training, and bike riding.
See how exercise helps people with Epilepsy by clicking here.
REMEMBER: Always bring along a partner in case you go into a seizure - especially during activities like weight lifting and bike riding. Always carry a medical alert bracelet, ID card, or some other form of medical identification. Click here to get a FREE medical alert card. *Limit 3 per order.*
Taking you medication late can be a big mistake. AED's (Antiepileptic Drugs) have to be taken at exact intervals to perform correctly; Just like a birth control pill. If you miss a dose, your brain is lacking that medication for the period of time that you wait to take your next dosage. This can throw off the functioning and waves of your brain, inducing a seizure when you would least expect it. Whether it be a week later, or a day later. For me, it can happen in less than two hours.
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These are all small and relatively simple ways to change your lifestyle. I had to go through the phase of changing my life, and it wasn't easy at first... but once you get the hang of it, develop a support system, and change your mindset, it's as easy as changing your clothes. Plus, if you think about it, your cure may lie within one of these changes. You never know, and it's never too late to try and find out.
God bless, and if you liked this article please share with friends or leave feedback below! Have a wonderful seizure-free weekend!
Sincerely,
Mandy Krzywonski
EpilepsyBlogger
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