8 Essentials In My Epilepsy Survival Kit

Living with epilepsy can be taxing not only on the body but also the mind and spirit. Finding the right things to make the journey less rigorous is therapeutic. What works for you might not work for someone else but with that said, here are my personal epilepsy essentials:

1. Heating Pad

My heating pad is like a best friend. Even on roasty toasty summer days, I’m still attached to it. It has helped me in multiple different instances of discomfort. Especially when it comes to my seizures. When I have a grand mal seizure or a complex partial seizure, the end result usually emerges with a pounding migraine. One that just won’t let up. Typically lasting the entirety of the day. My most favorite type of heating pad that I currently use are the All Natural Microwavable Aromatherapy Heating Pads which are infused with a light lavender and chamomile scent. These help to ease the pain and can even help me to fall asleep to recuperate.

View a Variety of Heating Pads via Amazon.com

2. Essential Oil Diffusers

I’ve loved my diffuser from day one because it has lulled my stress and anxiety away. Such a thoughtful gift from family. Living with epilepsy isn’t always roses. There are difficult days and trying circumstances but going through them instead of giving up is what makes us strong. Listed below are essential oils that I prefer to use and a link to learn more:

• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Frankincense

Learn More About These Essential Oils

View a Variety of Essential Oil Diffusers

3. Soothing Melodies

The Relax Melodies app is the best relaxation and sleep app that I’ve come across. I was introduced to it by my husband, and since then I couldn’t imagine not having it to turn to for melodic purposes of stress and anxiety relief and to help fall asleep following a seizure in order to recuperate. Waking up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle my epilepsy and seizures once again.

View Relax Melodies App

4. Self-Help Books

Self-help books are great for guiding you in the right direction and empowering you. Coping with epilepsy is a process. While the initial diagnosis is often fraught with harsh emotions, it certainly doesn’t have to continue on that trajectory. I’ve found self-help books to be a reminder of the person that I am regardless of the circumstances that I find myself in and who I can be as I take this journey optimistically in a life of seizure-freedom.

Right now, I’m reading the book “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale which I can hardly set down. I highly recommend picking up a copy!

This book has the “sole objective of helping the reader achieve a happy, satisfying, and worthwhile life.” And it sure does live up to that quote.

View/Purchase Book via Amazon.com

Do you have a suggestion of a book? Let me know your current read or favorite!

5. Lazy Day Movie List

Seizures unequivocally pull the plug on our energy. No, we are not lazy but, it’s a golden ticket to enjoy a lazy day while our body bounces back. It’s a good idea to set aside a bit of time to make a list of your favorite movies to refer to during these times. Ones that are calming and uplifting and even lively and comical.

Below are a couple of my favorite movies:

• War Room
• Fireproof
• Inside Out
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

What are 2 or 3 of your favorite movies in these categories?

6. Drink Up!

Seizures take a lot out of us and it’s important to stay hydrated. Whether we’ve had a seizure or not, as a matter of fact, we always want to make sure that we’re getting enough water flowing throughout our system each day. This helps to ensure that our medication is working properly. When we take our medication, a full 8-ounce glass is the best. Sipping just won’t cut it. Beyond drinking water with medication, infusing our H20 with healthy and delicious fruits, vegetables, herbs and more can be a delicious treat.

7. Hobbies

Following my diagnosis, I’ve had to set aside certain activities for the betterment of my health. Activities that have limited my independence somewhat but over the years, I have come to cope and adapt. Regardless, this has not stopped me from exploring activities that I am able to do. Such as taking up hobbies! I made the decision to teach myself how to create intermediate origami, wood art, string art and more. All of which has forged confidence and creativity within me, and reminded me that regardless of my circumstances, I am still able to set and achieve goals.

8. Put Pen To Paper and Fingers To Keys

I have been a writer since Jr. High. I wrote haiku’s, poetry and short stories. How astonishing to know that I’d be right here today. Releasing thoughts and feelings, encouragement and advice is medicinal, rather than bottling it up… Rather than letting it fester within and crumbling your journey. Pave your way in a journal or in a blog. In a journal, you can put your thoughts and feelings on a page, and get things off your chest. Through a blog, you might be able to help pave another’s way. You never know who’s journey you may be able to inspire.

So now, it’s your turn! What are your epilepsy essentials? Let me know in the comment box below!