Anybody take anything natural that helps you relax? I am extremely stressed out and cannot relax my brain at all. My doc recommended something called Theanine but I have never heard of that before.
Thanks, Jill
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
Jill, I don't take meds for that.
Have you tried:
1. whatever type of music you like playing it while laying down or in your favorite chair/recliner?
When I try to sleep at night & can't, I play my favorite radio station on low volume, and it calms me down to relax to sleep.
2. BELLY LAUGHS ... what favorite comedy movies do you have to play to get you laughing uncontrollably?
3. I love going out to the middle of my back yard sitting in my lawn chair and watching the clouds around sunset time, and all those gorgious colors.
It's my time to talk to my loved ones who've gone to Heaven. I also say my prayers at that time. When I go to sleep, many times I fall asleep BEFORE I'm done with them.
Others will come along with their recommendations; these were off the top of my neuro lyme brain! lol Bettyg
Posted by i want help (Member # 9786) on :
I am going through the EXACT same thing i am sorry for us.
the other day what worked for me was an antianxiety medicication plus a long slow walk through an area of quiet nature and looking at all the plants, smelling the flowers, even touching and feeling the leaves.
sitting in the sun was nice too.the fresh cool air was invigorating.
another thing I did was to walk slowly around a store/shop spend some ( ok a lot) of money on some girlie things. when you are not feeling well the last thing you feel is pretty, maybe something along those lines to give you a boost?
I find in my experience lately it does come back every few hours but to savor the free time is like a gift.
feel free to pm me and I will give you my number if you want/need to talk.
also, liquid calcium magnesium and amino acids I just added.
and finally, I am trying to talk to myself and remind myself that it DOES PASS and that I can make it through/float with it otherwise it makes it much more difficult as if it is difficult enough already.
KRistin smile!
Posted by Nal (Member # 6801) on :
I am right there with you. I actually suffer from both anxiety and depression. I am going to see my dr again next week to see if he can give me something to help out.
I haven't found anything naturally that helps. Some people here have recommended 5 HTP (at least I think thats what its called). Anyway, its supposed to help.
Of course always check with a dr or health care professional before taking anything!
It stinks dealing with anxiety. Like we don't have enough to deal with right? Feel free to PM me as well anytime.
Many hugs to you.
Nancy Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
Have you guys tried Kava Kava? It is an herb and if I am uptight, I take it and mellow right out.
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
Luvs2ride
How much kava kava do you take & do you use the tea form?
Posted by tortiecat (Member # 9357) on :
Thanks so much to everyone for the very thoughtful and concerned replies!!! There are so many kind people on this site - I wish I was one of the people helping others rather than someone always asking questions.
Right now I am not depressed (though that could change) so much as stressed out, confused, overwhelmed, and frustrated. I need to watch some funny movies. Going outside isn't an option as it's so hot and humid here and that makes my symptoms worse. Good idea though!!!
I have tried 5HTP and it never really worked for me, BUT I do think it is a great supplement.
I have the same questions about Kava Kava. What brand and how much?
Thanks again, Jill
Posted by chainsaw joseph (Member # 6611) on :
I would dare to say that no one on here has had more of a racing mind than me.When i first got lyme 5 years ago it literally almost drove me insane.My mind was like constantly on 50 cups of coffee,could barely sleep and when I did even my dreams and nightmares were in high speed.Truly a wicked disease.5 years later it is much better but the mind still races.The two life saveres for me are 5htp,amazing over the counter supplement.Im so glad my doc recommeneded it.Dont take it though if you are on an SSRI.I find the douglass labs brand the best.The brand-NOW- was a waste of money.The other thing that helps for me is a prescription drug,ativan,adicting but Ive been able to stay on .5mg a day for years.
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
Hi Jill,
I love Tension Tamer tea from Celestial Seasonings -- it is available in many grocery stores, and it really works to relax!
Hope you feel better. Any Mel Brooks movie and a hot bath with lavender always works wonders.
Posted by Carol B (Member # 9110) on :
"What to take to help mind and body relax"
Sledgehammer Carol
Posted by lymeHerx001 (Member # 6215) on :
kava kava 5htp valerian root
Posted by Alexis (Member # 9656) on :
I just had an appointment with a woman who specializes in hypnotism or going into a trance. I was nervous but it wasn't what I expected at all, just a sort of a daydream. It was very relaxing and all I really did was breathe in my nose, out my mouth, and vaguely concentrate on the best place to be (for me it was those hills from Sound of Music, hehe.) That helps and chocolate if you can. Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
2 capsules of Kava Kava
My favorite brand is Nature's Sunshine, but if you buy from a reputable healthfood store, they should carry a good brand.
Posted by beachcomber (Member # 5320) on :
Craniosacral work helps.
Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
When I get to stressed I just sit with my cat.
He always understands and reassures me everything will be ok even though I have been disabled with no life for 6 years now
he promises with his perfect little purrs that it will get better and someday I will have a life again....
I think what will help you relax may depend on what the cause is. If it is a lyme symptom then it might be harder to get away dealing with it without a med or natural remedy.
If it is due to trying to cope with the lyme itself I think it is easier find things in life that relax (like my cat)
- Just my opinion
Best wishes
Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :
Jill,
I believe Liz28 has experience with Theanine. I see that you have not gotten any responses Maybe she'll be around to answer.
Sorry I know nothing about Theanine. Did the Doctor elaborate?
Posted by MarsyNY (Member # 7766) on :
On the theanine I mean!
Posted by Jill E. (Member # 9121) on :
I think Theanine is an ingredient in green tea. I had read about it years before Lyme as a relaxant, but never used it given that I like to drink green tea.
However, I recently had my neurotransmitters tested due to tremors, etc., and some are low. The company that tested it recommended certain supplements, and Theanine was part of the combination.
I haven't started them - I need to make sure there are no interactions with my medications.
If you are able to walk at all, I find that relaxes me for a short time. I try to take a brief walk every day, even if I have to use a cane or walk slowly - just to have a change of scenery.
Jill
Posted by Truthfinder (Member # 8512) on :
I believe it is L-Theanine - an amino acid.
I tried the Vitamin Shoppe brand of it and don't recall anything earth shattering - BUT, I was going through a very difficult time, and NOTHING was helping me relax except heavy drugs.
If you try it, it might be wise to try a name brand of it first to see if it works. If it does, then you can try a cheaper variety.
Tracy
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Rhodiola
Twice a day on an empty stomach.
Be careful with Kava - it's tough on the liver.
Posted by tortiecat (Member # 9357) on :
Thanks to everyone for the replies since the last time I checked in!!! I finally wound up taking a homeopathic remedy called Ignatia- my doc had given it to me earlier in the year and I had forgotten about it. It definitely seems to be helping me alot. I felt like I couldn't control my emotions at all last week and now things are looking up.
Jill
Posted by Radha (Member # 8464) on :
jill, i wanted to know how you are feeling on the ignatia, do you take it everyday even if you are not feeling stressed or depressed? and has it helped and how much do you take and do you just it for a short period or do you know if you can take it long term? i am thinking of trying this and would really appreciate any input, thanks radha
Posted by sadie420 (Member # 9294) on :
How about meditation.
Sadie
Posted by DolphinLady (Member # 6275) on :
Yin Yoga, baths, relaxing music, biofeedback, palming (a type of eye exercise), rocking gently in a rocking chair and avoiding overstimulation are some things I do.
Have you had you're cortisol and hormone levels checked?
Posted by umbies are great (Member # 10217) on :
YOGA, YOGA, YOGA!!!! you will have health of mind, body & soul. I do yoga 2xs a wk. I called the parks and recreation dept. in my area and found out about a class for senior citizens. I've been doing it for 3yrs. It is the relief I need to forget about my illness. Find a class where they do uncomplicated moves. Maybe a Senior citizens center. I am not a senior citizen (41). The library is a good source for videos/DVDs on yoga. I learned the basics first, then began class. I do wear a splint on my teeth at night to prevent ear pain from my TMJ. I clinch and grind my teeth w/out it. I sleep much better.
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Bettyg
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