Living with epilepsy can have its fair share of challenges, which is why it’s so important to prioritize your physical and mental health. Incorporating self-care practices is an effective approach to managing seizures and alleviating stress levels. With that in mind, this article will outline five strategies you can use to take care of yourself and keep feeling your best.
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Suffering from Epilepsy: 5 Self-Care Tips to Consider
Below are five tips to bear in mind if you have epilepsy.
Get Enough Sleep
For individuals with epilepsy, obtaining sufficient rest is crucial, as inadequate sleep can trigger seizures. It’s best to aim for 7-9 hours of shut-eye every day in order to ensure sufficient rest. To make sure you get the most out of your slumber, avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol close to bedtime and incorporate some relaxing activities into your pre-bedtime ritual.
Avoid Visual Triggers
Individuals with epilepsy can be particularly vulnerable to certain visuals. Flashing lights, flickering images, and patterns are potential seizure triggers. Should you attend an event or go somewhere that may involve visual hazards, wearing sunglasses or taking regular rests may help to reduce the risk.
Exercise Regularly
For those with epilepsy, making time for physical activity in their weekly routine can be a great way to boost overall health and well-being. Engaging in 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, such as walking, cycling, or swimming has been found to reduce stress levels and improve mood and cognitive function.
Eat a Balanced Diet
The right kind of nutrition is key to preserving health, and this is especially relevant for those living with epilepsy. Evidence suggests that certain eating plans, like the ketogenic diet or the modified Atkins diet, could help lessen seizures in some cases.
Manage Stress
Stress can be a trigger for seizures, so managing stress is an important part of self-care for people with epilepsy. Many stress management strategies include exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation. Additionally, it’s essential to identify stressors in your life and take necessary measures to decrease or eliminate them whenever feasible.
How to Maintain Healthy Habits While Living With Epilepsy
Though managing epilepsy may present some difficulties, it is still achievable to maintain a good level of health. Below are some recommendations for self-care and managing epilepsy.
Be Your Own Epilepsy Expert
Taking charge of your epilepsy should be a priority for any individual with the condition. Knowing all you can about it, including what sets off an episode, what warning signs to look out for, and which treatments are available, are key steps.
Use Tech to Help Manage Epilepsy
When living with epilepsy, it is important to use the right technological tools in order to manage the condition. One such tool is an EEG headset which monitors brain activity. Additionally, apps are available that allow users to track seizures and keep medications up-to-date.
Connect With Others
Having epilepsy can leave you feeling disconnected, but making connections with those who have gone through similar circumstances is incredibly beneficial. Why not look into joining a support group or an online community to free-flow your thoughts and gain knowledge from like-minded people?
How Can Exercise Help Manage Epilepsy
Incorporating physical activity into an epilepsy management plan can be advantageous. Here are some ways exercise that can help people suffering from epilepsy.
Reduce the Number of Seizures
Studies have revealed that those with epilepsy can benefit from regular physical activity. This is because exercise has the ability to boost neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which can help lessen both the frequency and intensity of seizures.
Improve Physical and Emotional Health
Cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, flexibility, and balance can all be improved with exercise, and these are just to name a few. Moreover, it is known that engaging in physical activity can alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety, which may manifest alongside epilepsy for some individuals.
Relieve Stress
Exercise is an effective method of helping to manage seizures, as it can reduce the emotional pressure that often triggers them. It has been observed that workouts can lower cortisol levels, hormones released when one is under a great deal of strain.
Physical Activity Rarely Triggers Seizures
When it comes to epilepsy, exercise is often seen as a beneficial tool. It can be helpful in reducing the number of seizures experienced by some individuals. Even so, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider prior to beginning an exercise program, especially since physical activity is not likely to induce seizures in most cases.
Conclusion
Having a comprehensive plan for caring for yourself is critical in managing epilepsy and reducing stress. By getting the right amount of rest and successfully handling tension, it’s possible to keep seizures at bay and feel better overall.