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What are your go-tos after pushing yourself too hard?

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Posted 8/1/2022 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have a wedding of a very close family member coming up. Despite being very careful with my schedule and commitments to the day, I'm anticipating feeling pushed far beyond my limits, as any kind of exertion is a big effort.
I attended a bridal shower for her this weekend that was much less demanding but already kicked off a decent flare up. (Deep fatigue, joint pain and weakness, and feeling super feverish, but without a fever)

I'm most functional during the morning, but The wedding will be in the afternoon/evening and outdoors during pretty warm weather and require an hour long drive there and back.

I wanted to ask how you all go about remediating after a stressful event. What are some of your go to treatments/supplements/practices, etc?
Posted 8/1/2022 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
This is a great question! I think it's really helpful for everyone to brainstorm this periodically - both to give each other new ideas and to remind ourselves of what works and how important it is to take good care of ourselves and recognize when we are pushing our own boundaries.

First, I want to encourage you to enjoy the heck out of this wedding. Revel in whatever it is that makes you want to attend - the celebration, being around loved ones, music, food, a nice setting, even just fulfilling a familial obligation - and if/when things feel rough afterward, take a deep breath and call up those good vibes. For me, at least, the good vibes are helpful later!

It's great that you have been able to keep your schedule light before and after the wedding. That would have been my next suggestion. A lot of this will be obvious, but I like comprehensive lists, so bear with me:
- Hydrate before and after, no alcohol, no caffeine (unless it's part of your usual routine). Make sure you have enough electrolytes to make up for any sweating you might do.
- No inflammatory foods, especially sugar, that might mess with your energy level, cause inflammation, or cause a crash. Nothing heavy that day.
- Safeguard good sleep before and after. Take CBD, melatonin, or anything else that you find helpful, with a dark, cool room, maybe white noise? Whatever ensures you rest soundly.
- Pick out your outfit and get your stuff ready to go the day before or even earlier. Leave plenty of time to get ready on the day, so there's no part of the day that feels rushed. Make sure little errands like getting gas won't be an issue.
- Make sure to take restorative moments during the event to give your nervous system a break from the stimulation. (This is so hard for me!) The occasional moment of deep breathing with your eyes closed in a restroom stall can make a difference. If you find tapping (EFT) helpful, then that's a great time for some tapping. For me, giving my nervous system a chance to chill periodically really makes a difference in how depleted I end up.
- Take whatever helps to calm down your system. I take curcumin, quercetin, and ashwaganda, but other thing to take might be other adaptogenic herbs, Alka-Seltzer Gold, theanine, or skullcap. A big jar of chilled chamomile tea might be supportive.
- Schedule a restorative practice for the next day or two if you can - acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, a massage, or even just a restorative yoga video from YouTube at home.

I hope you have a marvelous time!
Posted 8/1/2022 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
If you are accustomed to epsom salt baths, that would be good.

Sounded like you have concerns about being outdoors in warm weather. I am thinking you might have temperature intolerance. Keeping electrolytes balanced should help. When I work outside and sweat, I take a potassium supplement, a magnesium glycinate supplement, and eat a little restaurant packet of sea salt (courtesy of Chick-Fil-A) with cold water.

After it’s all over, take a full shower and change clothes as soon as possible to get away from mold, smoke, and fragrance you might have been exposed to. Take some binders with you, like some charcoal capsules.
Posted 8/1/2022 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
As an introvert, this will not surprise other introverts here:

Some good lazy quiet time by oneself, prob even a peaceful nap on the couch. Alone.

Being alone is the best recharge I ever get. Sometimes followed by a good nature hike or bike ride. People in general mentally wear me out. (Extroverts might not be able to grasp this though)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was a Wedding photographer on weekends part-time for about six years. Sometimes fun, but sometimes insane too... depending on the people and families I worked with.
Posted 8/1/2022 8:01 PM (GMT 0)

astroman said...

I was a Wedding photographer on weekends part-time for about six years. Sometimes fun, but sometimes insane too... depending on the people and families I worked with.

My goodness, astroman!!! You just have an abundance of talents that you surprise us with.
Posted 8/1/2022 8:19 PM (GMT 0)

WalkingbyFaith said...

astroman said...

I was a Wedding photographer on weekends part-time for about six years. Sometimes fun, but sometimes insane too... depending on the people and families I worked with.

My goodness, astroman!!! You just have an abundance of talents that you surprise us with.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ive been called a Jack of trades but master of none, just like my father. But thats what makes life interesting in my mind. Normal jobs and never trying new things get in the way of living, but most who left go back to them to some degree. Life is a bunch of trials and errors. But even errors can be interesting and can make good stories for when your old (lol).
Posted 8/1/2022 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Canary - My thought on that is to not do what I did at my son's wedding two weeks ago, which was doing what astroman smartly advised NOT to do. At events like weddings, it's hard not to, and this case it was my son, so I wanted he and my daughters to see me "normal" for once. Mistake.

Astroman's partial list:
Hydrate before and after, no alcohol, no caffeine (unless it's part of your usual routine). Make sure you have enough electrolytes to make up for any sweating you might do.
- No inflammatory foods, especially sugar, that might mess with your energy level, cause inflammation, or cause a crash. Nothing heavy that day."

I did all you shouldn't do on that list but did hydrate. Alcohol is very foreign to my system, at this point.
Also, being able to leave in time to stay in normal sleep pattern is hard to do but critical. Again, I didn't.

Hard to so "no" in cases like that. Everything else he suggests is good, also, but once you step beyond the acceptable line, there is a big chance of repercussions. All of it can lead to lost sleep or unrestful sleep, which only adds in. This is one of the hardest parts of having Lyme - being willing not to eat this, drink that or stay up much later than you really should.
Posted 8/1/2022 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
"Astroman's partial list:"

I know you meant well,

.....that was saraeli's list.

(Hey, that sounds like a book title...)

--------------------------------------------
Declining alcohol and carefully NOT stuffing oneself with all the food are certainly good measures.

Post Edited (astroman) : 8/1/2022 2:12:30 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 8/1/2022 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, astroman. My apologies, saraeli. Eveidently, the effects are still with me smile.
Posted 8/1/2022 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, astroman. My apologies, saraeli. Evidently, the effects are still with me from the wedding smile.
Posted 8/1/2022 10:24 PM (GMT 0)

running wild said...
Thanks, astroman. My apologies, saraeli. Eveidently, the effects are still with me smile.

Same here.

My guts still in healing mode after the June BBQ “feed fest”....with a little booze too.

My brain is off when my gut is off too. Finally not exhausted today. Think and talk better too. Sounds crazy but true.

I’ve Been taking Sibo supplements with a Sibo diet (I don’t have time to wait for the snails pace which gastro clinic moves at).

Post Edited (astroman) : 8/1/2022 11:48:23 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 8/2/2022 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Totally understand all you were mentioning, astroman. That was point with Canary. We aren’t “normal” with all this, and there are certain actions that will set off feeling bad. So much goes involves the gut, as you’ve known a long time.

Sometimes even eating can make me dizzy. Barbecue and booze were “gutsy” things to do.
Posted 8/2/2022 3:39 PM (GMT 0)

saraeli said...


First, I want to encourage you to enjoy the heck out of this wedding. Revel in whatever it is that makes you want to attend - the celebration, being around loved ones, music, food, a nice setting, even just fulfilling a familial obligation - and if/when things feel rough afterward, take a deep breath and call up those good vibes. For me, at least, the good vibes are helpful later!

It's great that you have been able to keep your schedule light before and after the wedding. That would have been my next suggestion. A lot of this will be obvious, but I like comprehensive lists, so bear with me:
- Hydrate before and after, no alcohol, no caffeine (unless it's part of your usual routine). Make sure you have enough electrolytes to make up for any sweating you might do.
- No inflammatory foods, especially sugar, that might mess with your energy level, cause inflammation, or cause a crash. Nothing heavy that day.
- Safeguard good sleep before and after. Take CBD, melatonin, or anything else that you find helpful, with a dark, cool room, maybe white noise? Whatever ensures you rest soundly.
- Pick out your outfit and get your stuff ready to go the day before or even earlier. Leave plenty of time to get ready on the day, so there's no part of the day that feels rushed. Make sure little errands like getting gas won't be an issue.
- Make sure to take restorative moments during the event to give your nervous system a break from the stimulation. (This is so hard for me!) The occasional moment of deep breathing with your eyes closed in a restroom stall can make a difference. If you find tapping (EFT) helpful, then that's a great time for some tapping. For me, giving my nervous system a chance to chill periodically really makes a difference in how depleted I end up.
- Take whatever helps to calm down your system. I take curcumin, quercetin, and ashwaganda, but other thing to take might be other adaptogenic herbs, Alka-Seltzer Gold, theanine, or skullcap. A big jar of chilled chamomile tea might be supportive.
- Schedule a restorative practice for the next day or two if you can - acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, a massage, or even just a restorative yoga video from YouTube at home.

I hope you have a marvelous time!

These were some wonderful suggestions! Thank you so much!
I loved the encouragement to enjoy the time, first and foremost. I enter so many situations with trepidation and always wondering how I'm feeling instead of just enjoying the opportunity.

Stepping aside for a mental break is fantastic, too. I wish I had done that more with other events! That helps so much, and especially with the calming herbs.

Great advice too about making sure not to rush, having good sleep before and after, etc.

Thanks again, I'm really grateful for the support on here.
Posted 8/2/2022 3:42 PM (GMT 0)

WalkingbyFaith said...
If you are accustomed to epsom salt baths, that would be good.

Sounded like you have concerns about being outdoors in warm weather. I am thinking you might have temperature intolerance. Keeping electrolytes balanced should help. When I work outside and sweat, I take a potassium supplement, a magnesium glycinate supplement, and eat a little restaurant packet of sea salt (courtesy of Chick-Fil-A) with cold water.

After it’s all over, take a full shower and change clothes as soon as possible to get away from mold, smoke, and fragrance you might have been exposed to. Take some binders with you, like some charcoal capsules.

Super good advice, WBF, thank you!!! The fragrances and mold are a huge point of consideration. I'll have binders on deck.

I love the electrolyte cocktail you make with potassium, magnesium, and the sea salt packet. That's going to be gold for me! I'm in the southwest US and it'll be very hot. Nothing drains me faster than not having enough water.
I'll also bring some mineral water with me.
Posted 8/2/2022 3:45 PM (GMT 0)

running wild said...
Canary - My thought on that is to not do what I did at my son's wedding two weeks ago, which was doing what astroman smartly advised NOT to do. At events like weddings, it's hard not to, and this case it was my son, so I wanted he and my daughters to see me "normal" for once. Mistake.

Astroman's partial list:
Hydrate before and after, no alcohol, no caffeine (unless it's part of your usual routine). Make sure you have enough electrolytes to make up for any sweating you might do.
- No inflammatory foods, especially sugar, that might mess with your energy level, cause inflammation, or cause a crash. Nothing heavy that day."

I did all you shouldn't do on that list but did hydrate. Alcohol is very foreign to my system, at this point.
Also, being able to leave in time to stay in normal sleep pattern is hard to do but critical. Again, I didn't.

Hard to so "no" in cases like that. Everything else he suggests is good, also, but once you step beyond the acceptable line, there is a big chance of repercussions. All of it can lead to lost sleep or unrestful sleep, which only adds in. This is one of the hardest parts of having Lyme - being willing not to eat this, drink that or stay up much later than you really should.

Very, very good point about leaving in time to make it to my usual bedtime. I can see myself trying to stay too late and compromise than very important factor.
Fortunately, my family is pretty much fully understanding of my situation, after so many years of this, I shouldn't have any pressure to stay longer.

I have loads of food sensitivities so I'm in the habit of just bringing my own food wherever I go. I'll make sure I eat enough and drink plenty of water.
Posted 8/2/2022 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
WBF, I like to carry little packets of salt as well, just in case! I really like the suggestion to shower and change clothes right away, so as not to carry the detritus of the day into your home. Fragrances, allergens, and so many other things can overload the system more than we realize, and it's important to stop the exposure as soon as we can.

Canary, I hope you have an awesome time!
Posted 8/2/2022 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Me personally? 2 ashwagandha in the am, tongkat ali, hydrate + electrolytes (ice in there if concerned about heat). Caffeine in small doses throughout the event. Another ashwagandha with dinner and another one in the evening. I also fine marijuana helpful in curbing crashes so I’d bring my vape pen also.

Avoiding sugar has never brought me noticeable benefit. It’s a quick source of glucose for fuel and ok in my book if your body feels better with it. So sugar as needed too.
Posted 8/8/2022 8:39 PM (GMT 0)

astroman said...
As an introvert, this will not surprise other introverts here:

Some good lazy quiet time by oneself, prob even a peaceful nap on the couch. Alone.

Being alone is the best recharge I ever get. Sometimes followed by a good nature hike or bike ride. People in general mentally wear me out. (Extroverts might not be able to grasp this though)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was a Wedding photographer on weekends part-time for about six years. Sometimes fun, but sometimes insane too... depending on the people and families I worked with.

What haven’t you done? Lol
Posted 8/8/2022 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
Girlie - WBF had a similar comment,....thanks, that's kind a compliment I guess..

I often wonder how many people keep sanity from only doing a couple types of employment much of their life..Im kinda envious of them as they must not get bored fast like I do. Tried various desk jobs three times in my life, sitting was comfy, but I would fall asleep / go nuts. I need limited movement and variety.

Since ive never had children, all my time is/was my own. Ive always had a "main" job (some part time , some full time) while also touching the surface of some other things I had interest in- just to experience it, knowing there is not enough time to devote to all of them in this short life.

I had a "bucket list" of jobs, hobbies, and individual outdoor sports interests that started when I was a kid and somehow ....accomplished it. Guess I could add a few more things, or dive a little deeper into the same, but Im slowing down....lol.

“Power naps" my whole life were how I did all this stuff. Cars , couches, wherever....

BUT.....I did need to change my several "main income jobs/careers " along the way to accommodate "lyme handycapts" though. (A full eight hrs at one place is still pretty hard on me.)

Post Edited (astroman) : 8/8/2022 6:43:09 PM (GMT-7)

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