Bruce Dias 
Living with epilepsy can sometimes feel like being in uncharted waters. Some days go as smooth as silk, and in a trice, others become turbulent. However, all this need not overwhelm a person who has to manage epilepsy. A few simple changes one makes can help take control of life and make things a little easier. Let’s dive into some everyday tips anyone can use to help manage epilepsy without so much fuss.
1. Make Sleep Your Best Friend
We have all been told that sleep is especially necessary for everyone, but even more so for those with epilepsy. Ever notice how if you don’t get a good night’s rest, everything is just all the worse? That is because a lack of sleep is one of the biggest and worst triggers for seizures. Go to bed and get up around the same time each day. Establish a regular bedtime, and try your best to adhere to that bedtime, even on the weekends. And who doesn’t love an excuse to skip the late-night Netflix binge for a few Zs?
Sleep does more than just ward off fatigue; it keeps your brain’s electrical activity in check, which is very important for anyone with epilepsy. You could even try relaxing with a calming pre-bed routine in which you read or do some light stretches. Also, avoid stimulants like caffeine and bright screens for at least the last hour before bedtime—it does make a difference! If you are suffering from insomnia or restless sleep, take a visit to the doctor for solutions. Rest is the most natural remedy for avoiding seizures, so it’s worth investing a little time into getting some quality rest.
2. Take Your Medications as Prescribed
This may sound obvious, but it’s so easy to let that slip through the cracks in busy life. Miss a dose? You might get some surprises you don’t want, such as a seizure. You may find reminders set on your phone or an app designed for medication management helpful. The fewer disruptions in your routine, the better.
You may also want to always have some extra medication on hand in case you forget a dose while traveling or on busy days. Many people find pill organizers helpful because these let you sort out your medications for each day of the week and the time of day. If you have been feeling off, it may be a good idea to check in with your doctor to see if the current medication fits—often, adjustments need to be made. Also, don’t forget to stay informed about possible side effects and how your medication interacts with other drugs or even supplements. Medication management may seem minuscule, but in the long run, it’s the core of controlling epilepsy.
3. Stress Less—Easier Said Than Done, Right?
Stress is a sly one: it ambushes you when you least expect it, and all of a sudden, you’re overwhelmed. For people with epilepsy, stress is not just a mental health concern but often serves as a direct seizure trigger. Learning to manage your level of stress can make an enormous impact on daily life. Whether it’s trying yoga, meditating, or just taking a minute or two to breathe deeply, make it a point to unwind. Who knew “me time” could be seizure prevention?
But what if you’re not into yoga or meditation? That’s totally fine—everyone finds their relaxation in different ways. Maybe your way of calming stress is going for a walk, listening to music, or even spending time with a pet. It’s a matter of finding out what works for you. Journaling may also be a very beneficial method of monitoring your stress level and any patterns that you may see. Long-term, managing your stress well will serve to make you feel in control of both your emotions and your health.
4. What You Eat Matters
Did you know that what you eat can play a role in how you manage your epilepsy? Some diets, like the ketogenic diet, have helped decrease seizures in some individuals. And if you’re not ready to make a huge dietary leap, balancing your diet with variety—adding whole foods and healthy fats does a lot for a person’s insides and outsides. More importantly, paying attention to food will also help in sustaining energy throughout the day, which is very crucial for those living with epilepsy.
Increased fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are great ways to replace some of the missing essential nutrients that help the brain work optimally. It isn’t all about avoiding the wrong foods; it’s about adding the right foods, too—omega-3 fatty acids, for one, support brain health. Adequate hydration is equally crucial: dehydration occasionally leads to seizures. If you are at a loss regarding where to start, an epilepsy nutritionist can provide more detailed information for you. After all, food can be used to your great benefit in the management of your overall health—and, by extension, your epilepsy.
5. Explore Complementary Therapies (Yes, That Includes Cannabis)
Within the past couple of years, there has been an increasing amount of studies on the possible role of alternative therapies in the management of symptoms related to epilepsy. Acupuncture, meditation, biofeedback—the list goes on and on. And, of course, there’s medical cannabis. If you’re considering trying it, applying for a Florida medical marijuana card online is an easy way for residents to access this option. With the right guidance, cannabis may offer relief from some symptoms and improve your quality of life. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
But remember, alternative therapies are complementary and not a replacement for your regular treatment. Always check in first with your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your treatment regimen, especially if you take other medication that interacts with it. You may also want to research the science behind these therapies. Some, like biofeedback, show great promise in helping persons with seizures regain control of their bodies over functions previously thought lost. And while not all therapies will work for everyone, openness to new approaches may become an important part of your epilepsy management plan. Just don’t forget to make sure they’re safe and reliable.
6. Don’t Go It Alone—Build a Support Network
Living with epilepsy at times can be experienced as an isolating disorder, but you don’t have to go it alone. A support group, an online forum, or just a friend who gets it can make all the difference when people around you understand or are in a similar situation. It is a great way of sharing experiences, swapping tips, or simply having someone listen to lighten the load. You never know—you may learn some new ways of managing your epilepsy from others in the same situation. Having a good support system is more than a help; it’s essential to your emotional well-being.
Support networks needn’t be structured groups, either. Sometimes talking with your closest friends or family members about what you’re going through can be incredibly therapeutic. If you’re not sure where to find epilepsy-focused groups, organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation offer resources and connections with local support. You may even find online communities through social media or health forums where people connect and offer advice and encouragement. More than emotional support, these groups can keep you abreast of the latest developments in research, treatments, and lifestyle tips. You are never alone; others can help lighten the burden.
Conclusion: You Got This!
Living with epilepsy does not have to be an uphill struggle. By following these easy tips, small changes can bring in great improvements. To reiterate, each person is different in his or her journey with epilepsy. The key will be finding what works best for you along with the help of your healthcare team. Go ahead and take control of your health, routine, and life. You are stronger than you think!
It’s all about balance in managing epilepsy. Not every day is going to go perfectly, but hopefully, with the right strategies in place, at least you’ll be better prepared for whatever life throws your way. You need to stay flexible, too, since often with changes in your life come changes in your needs. Keep the lines of communication open with your healthcare team, and don’t hesitate to explore new treatments and strategies if necessary. Most importantly, give yourself grace—living with epilepsy is hard, and you’re doing a really great job!
