My Nerves Are Shot. Now what?

[Dennis Leahy]

For whatever reason(s) in our lives, many of us have experienced times where it is obvious that our nervous system is stressed... maybe even pushed beyond the breaking point.

Nervous system "overload" can be from emotional factors that are creating physical (and subsequent emotional) effects, physical causes (trauma, neurochemical or electrolyte imbalance, toxins, dehydration, etc.), or from externally applied energy (microwaves, etc.), or combinations of those vectors. So, treatment should take into account all factors involved, which may be different for different people... or even different times in someone's life.

If someone is (for example) dehydrated, a physical cause for an acute condition, then meditation or hiking or getting away from WiFi isn't going to fix the problem. A checklist of "the obvious" (such as hydrating, or getting away from stressors) is a good idea. Bearing in mind the more obvious things we might do if our "nerves are shot", what are your own tried-and-tested-true remedies for chronic nervous system sub-optimal functioning? (a.k.a. "my nerves are shot")

Thanks in advance for whatever you're willing to share.

[Heartsong]

I hear you. I'm there too.
For me I turn the music on and sing.
I look at sewing patterns or think of projects I might do some day when things are better.
I don't spend time with the TV unless it's a good distracting movie.
I read a good book. Maybe even one I've read before that I know I'll enjoy.

Try to feed your soul, not challenge it. If your inward thinking is obsessive, move away from it.

These are all relief remedies. They give respite. They are not lasting solutions. Only time will really help.
And friends who have been there.

Blessings on you and those you love
Nancy

[Mike]

Hey Dennis,

Boy, speaking of nerves...

I was in new jersey this past weekend with my aunt, cousin and handicapped uncle. What a dysfunctional mess they are! Being around them for 3 days and 2 nights caused every cell in my body to pulse with a heightened anxiety. Plus, my aunt is an atrocious driver. She'd nearly get us killed every time we went out. It was unbelievable. She's one of these types who refuses to look in her rearview mirrow when changing lanes...she just kind of expects the world to adjust to all her movements (and then she screams at them!:facepalm:)

So basically I was stuck in this fight or flight gear all weekend. Its wednesday and im still decompressing...

How do I decompress? Beer!

I'm not being silly or flippant here. And im not suggesting you become an alcoholic. But the proper spirits in the right dose can be an absolute tonic. Truly.

For everyone its different...in both type and quantity. For me it changes with the seasons. Right now I drink 2 (yes, just 2...I swear;)) dos equis before bed and I have a nice, smooth uninterrupted sleep. And theres nothing better for the nerves than that..

I'm sure youre expecting someone to offer up an exotic herb as a solution:) (and they might...and it might be a good one) but id encourage you to not look past the obvious..

Ive probably taken more supplements than anyone here...and ive never taken any herb or vitamin or mineral (not even those magnesium powders) that can do what 1 or 2 bottles of high quality beer can. Seriously.

[conk]

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) works for many people. Mercola.com has instructions on how to perform the techniques, they are quite easy.

[Foxie Loxie]

Hello Dennis......As a 71 year old Grandmother with a life time of experiences I truly can address this. The body itself is affected at the DNA level by constant & unrelenting stress, such as I experienced in my first marriage. It wasn't discovered until 2009 that the telomeres become shortened. Long exposure to constant stress wears the body out way ahead of what is "normal"; to say nothing of also wearing out the heart muscle itself. Since I am living with such results myself, I can speak to this. Nothing can be done after the damage is already incurred, so one must figure out how to eliminate & control what stress one is exposed to. At this point, I simply have to live a quiet, peaceful life. One has to decide what is most important in one's life & scale down activities that are stressful, but not necessary to one's well being. It is important to take care of yourself, as no one else is going to!! I learned this lesson too late in life. Only you can figure out what is best for you; reevaluation of you entire lifestyle may be necessary. It varies with each person as to what is actually relaxing & healing for him or her. Nature itself does seem healing for all of us. You will be in my thoughts....wishing you well in your own personal journey!

[earthadvocate]

I have been going through a very stressful time myself since my younger son was diagnosed with a mental illness and still going through it, he lives with me so it is always in my face. What I found myself doing first is a list of people that I can truly talk to and that will support me, you will be surprise how this list will be quite different from what you thought were true friends, than reconnect with your spiritual root, the one that you truly resonate with and offer your struggles to your higher power. Sometimes it take desperate situation to find that most of the time you really are not in control and you can only do your best.

[Hervé]

If you have time to read... I would check this: "Adrenal Burnout (http://educate-yourself.org/cn/adrenalburnout19apr05.shtml)"

... then help the body handle it: Foods and fasting: http://www.starcenter.com/Health-via-Food-by-William-Howard-Hay-MD.pdf (that's from a time period when "food" still deserved that name)

... finally and/or concomitantly, addressing the spiritual side of the dice: http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/archivos_pdf/children-lawofone-lost-teachings-atlantis.pdf (<--- some good advices, exercises and explanations in there).

[pyrangello]

Dennis , every few months I need to recharge, for me its sleep, watch movies, have an ice cream float, sleep watch some more movies, pizza, sleep watch some more movies, hot shower sleep, basically I just shut myself down for 1-2 days and do absolutely nothing, stay in my jamies and force myself to just do nothing , I may cook some pot of large something stew or soup and while I'm cutting up everything to go into the pot I'll have a movie on and a bottle of wine opened and just go at an easy pace. Its tough because I'm on the go all the time and eat very healthy and yes I work an awful lot so when its recharge time I do the totally opposite and out of character for me. And yes it does work.

[Mike]

Dennis , every few months I need to recharge, for me its sleep, watch movies, have an ice cream float, sleep watch some more movies, pizza, sleep watch some more movies, hot shower sleep, basically I just shut myself down for 1-2 days and do absolutely nothing, stay in my jamies and force myself to just do nothing , I may cook some pot of large something stew or soup and while I'm cutting up everything to go into the pot I'll have a movie on and a bottle of wine opened and just go at an easy pace. Its tough because I'm on the go all the time and eat very healthy and yes I work an awful lot so when its recharge time I do the totally opposite and out of character for me. And yes it does work.



This is a wonderful suggestion.

I know its tough with family and work etc, but if you can just shut it down for a couple days, the results can be miraculous.

I'll do this sometimes too....just shut the curtains n blinds and lay in bed for a couple days. I come out of that feeling totally recharged.

[WhiteLove]

I think that shot nerves are to some degree pretty good, because I find that it forces the being towards a more truthful state of being since it more directly expresses what it needs and what it does not need. Basically these situations are a call for some amount of change that needs to be made that can help counter/reverse this kind of situation in the future.

I think for me it depends on my overall health how I am dealing with it. A typical heavy period for me could be if I am on a very hard diet, switch to sugar rich energy and then rest. That will produce an incredible insulin spike. That I then focus into the muscles basically through heavy exercising. So although the "nerves" are very stressed out at that point, the energy of that stress I direct straight into the muscles. That followed by a cold shower can feel incredibly good.

When I am not in that kind of mood, in other words when I am relaxing my body in terms of energy turnover, and still feel stressed, then in most cases various relaxing activities helps. If I am hungry I might eat a good steak.

Coffee is sort of balancing these two moods in a healthy way. Beyond this I try to capture moments of having a good laugh together with others.

But then there might be moments when I am simply just pissed off and there is nothing anyone can do about that.

[Sunny-side-up]

Hi Dennis one tip I will give you is a simple one.

Have good look at your Avatar, remember and feel the way you where looking in that photo :sun:

[Jean-Marie]

If you have time to read... I would check this: "Adrenal Burnout (http://educate-yourself.org/cn/adrenalburnout19apr05.shtml)"

... then help the body handle it: Foods and fasting: http://www.starcenter.com/Health-via-Food-by-William-Howard-Hay-MD.pdf (that's from a time period when "food" still deserved that name)

... finally and/or concomitantly, addressing the spiritual side of the dice: http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/archivos_pdf/children-lawofone-lost-teachings-atlantis.pdf (<--- some good advices, exercises and explanations in there).

I totally agree with Herve! on the Foods and Fasting! and would like to go a bit further. I am currently detoxing my body following Dr. Hulda Clarke's the cure for all diseases. I have been doing the wormwood, black walnut hull, clove extract drops in water, and following her suggestions in removing toxic foods from my diet. In the first week I noticed a marked improvement in my mental focus and the ability to remain stress free has greatly increased. In her book she talks about the toxins in our foods and environment. The molds and fungus's that we cannot see in our foods can really affect us neurologically.

Other suggestions for relieving stress are: Hot epsom salt soaks and calming herbal teas!

[bettye198]

Dennis, hormones are going crazy with men and women we re noticing. One thing that works for us is Min Tran. You can find it at www.standardprocess.com Min Tran when taken consistently makes you feel calm without being knocked out. It has minerals. We need to feed our brain minerals. The Thyroid goes wacko and it signals the brain. Stress and exhaustion wipes out the adrenal function. Best to go intuitive on your body and see what is needed for support. The rest of the world will continue with crazy. We need to just be in it, not of it.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/298996862738079660/

[bettye198]

3Zl9puhwiyw

[DeDukshyn]

At my work I am known a bit as the "never stressed" guy -- I do have two supplements that I use to help me though ...

For whenever you need to just quickly take the "edge off" and get your mind back, I take 450mg of L-Theanine. Theanine is an amino acid found in tea, and it has the unique ability to encourage your brain towards an alpha brainwave state - which gives the physiological response of "relaxed wakefulness". It isn't a depressant or anything like that and it does not cause any drowsiness (but helps to calm the mind before sleep). It reduces background brain "chatter" and allows you to focus, especially helpful for learning (a great state for reading books).

L-Theanine takes about 30 minutes to kick in, and works for several hours before wearing off. The effect is subtle, but it works well for me. Theanine is also good for detox and for liver support.

The alpha brainwave state is what you go into with moderate to deep meditation. So by taking L-Theanine I guess it's a bit like cheating ;) A bit more info here: http://aor.ca/en/product/zen-theanine



For adrenal fatigue (long term stress complications), I take an extremely well formulated all round anti-stress formula (made by the company I work for) called Ortho Adapt. It's even won awards.

It contains:

Adrenal cortex (we also have a vegan formula without this)
Vitamin C
Pantothenic acid
Licorice extract
Siberian "ginseng"
Rhodiola
Ashwaghanda

More info and a bit of reading here http://aor.ca/en/product/ortho-adapt ... our site is still under construction so some info is not yet available on the new site.


And of course don't forget about this ... http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?83971-Why-you-need-to-start-meditation-now-

:)

[happyuk]

A many-pronged approach may be useful. The obvious ones for me are to avoid where possible nervous, uptight materially-minded persons and artificial stimulants / recreational drugs / alcohol. Stay outside in the fresh air as much as possible, such as in woodland, parks or the beach. Perhaps take up gardening as a hobby. Keep a good diet, avoid too much sugar and eat plenty of fruit. Adopt a zen approach to life - do your utmost best while not caring at the same time. Make time to do the things you really enjoy doing. If there is an issue past or present that is really bothering you then consider outside help from a qualified spiritual counselor perhaps.

I can personally vouch for any of Yogagnanda's teachings for the cure of nervous ailments, such as this one from East-West magazine, May 1927:

http://www.reversespins.com/vibratoryhealing.html

Love this quote:

"The police commissioner of Chicago declared recently in a bulletin that if the sounds of vehicles, etc., could be cut down, city people would live ten years longer. In other words, inharmonious noise affects the nervous system of people, weakening this medium through which vital energy is supplied to all the principal organs of the body, the circulatory system, brain, etc. With the deterioration of the nervous system, the energy and thermal supply of the blood becomes low, making it a fit home for bacteria of disease."

And the how-to-live series:

https://www.yogananda-srf.org/HowtoLive/Conquering_Fear,_Anxiety,_and_Worry.aspx

[RunningDeer]

***

Don’t wait for ‘it’ to build up. Preventive maintenance.

***

Surprisingly simple techniques go a long way. Retrain yourself to breathe slow, deep inhale-exhales. And as silly as this sounds, smile. Not the Jim Carrey kind. A gentle, natural smile.

For myself, what worked six months ago no longer does. Knowing that freed me up. It’s about quality not quantity to whatever I do. I pay attention to what my body(ies) say. Nap? Take it. Sit without distraction for five minutes. Do it. Movie rather than study? Do it.

And body movement with focused intent is a double benefit. Remember the walk from Carlos Castaneda's Don Juan's Teachings in “Journey to Ixtlan”?




“You have to curl your fingers gently as you walk in order to keep your attention on the trail and the surroundings. Your ordinary way of walking is debilitating and you should never carry anything in your hands. If things have to be carried one should use a knapsack or any sort of carrying net or shoulder bag. By forcing the hands into a specific position one is capable of greater stamina and greater awareness.”



http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/WhiteCrowBlackDeer/smile_zpsgjcclbml.jpg
♡

[Ernie Nemeth]

If my hands shake or I feel weak, I like to drink a juice or eat some fruit but will take anything to get the blood sugar up.

If my nerves are shot and I'm cranky, only music works - cranked!

[raregem]

Hi Dennis one tip I will give you is a simple one.

Have good look at your Avatar, remember and feel the way you where looking in that photo :sun:

I so enjoy seeing Dennis smile and the beautiful energy through those eyes !!!!!!!!!!!!! Sometimes, when I am stressed, I will look at Dennis and Callistas' photos.............. not to discount the many beautiful people here...........

[Antihero]

My sense of regression, and direction, make me jitter until I decide what. Should I speak in general? Or for Myself. Should we not care to follow dysfunction? Whatever the case may be we must listen true or suffer the consequences of our inaction. My direction is constant, but my action is under scrutiny, because my dark side is there at the edge, waiting to appear stronger at the available moment. My nerves are shot, by choice. My way out? Self-power. My release? Self-sacrifice. I frequently consume a healthy diet, deny drugs, poisons; or I do the opposite. If I would want a quick-fix solution, I would drink water, socialize in shallow(loving) ways, move a lot more, be simpler, entertain myself and others with topics that bring uplifting excitement or ease. The solution to stress is in the release, or attention of the observer. Words make the simple complicated. Today I didn't give a **** about some things I give too many ****s about, and it felt great. Giving a lot of ****s about something feels even better. I'm sure some stuff I wrote makes no sense, and if I can clarify my position on anything, ask.

[raff]

A spa treatment is highly recommended. Hot water followed by cold water. Soaking in hot water is grrreeeaaat. You will detox if you can handle a sauna and relax after with some herbal infusion tea. This will help to calm your nerves and wash that stress away.

[shaberon]

Life inherently has many issues, but I fully believe the modern U. S. is intentionally designed to provide this syndrome for us, chronically.

I have a sort of litmus test that says: Could I have done this in the 19th century?

If not, it should probably be avoided, or taken with a grain of salt. Things like washing machines and lawnmowers, well, those are probably useful developments, of course it would be better if they were powered from clean sources. But when pushed to the level of hey, who said we have to be with the tv, recorded music, on the phone...all the time...it creates what I would consider a pretty harmful environment.

Bare feet on soil and soak in the star light. Hold on--you can't really do that in the city. Exactly, that's by design to cut us off from a simple therapy that should be available every night. But I need to do this and better yet, learn the heavens and some of its astrological tales--what my ancestors did for thousands of years until we forgot about it.

Most of us only exist due to cheap oil. Essentially living in a big plastic box with food that comes in a little plastic box to be used once and disposed. Reducing contact with that stuff as much as possible seems quite desirable. Ingesting chemicals that did not even exist until the 20th century seems very risky; oil had a hand in most of those.

I personally find almost any kind of Indian or Oriental physical routine very beneficial. For example, t'ai chi: it's *supposed* to be free and it is so gentle that just about anyone who can still move, can do it. Videos and books are vastly inferior to finding a legitimate lineage holder in your area. Total body integration with peaceful mind. It does things to you, that are simply unknown in the Western systems of sports, etc. The benefits of physical activity not only counteract a great deal of toxins and stress, but make the body turn towards the foodstuffs and rest patterns that it needs.

There are a lot of mentally complicated things, but the answer is 90% physical. Activity such as described, and some starlight, are both my personal reliances and what I would generally suggest to anyone.

[Constance]

Dearest Dennis, thanks for sharing with us :bearhug:

I'm on a time-limit here because I'm borrowing a computer but here goes...

From my own personal experiences Dennis, self-hypnosis has always been the first go-to because it resets the nervous system at a very deep level. You can make up your own script. Your own voice is the most effective tool there is and you can literally reprogram the body to follow the unconscious minds instructions and reset/renew itself. There are many ideas for scripts on the internet but I can give you quite a few pointers on what to say if you think this might help you.

Here is just one personal experience of many that benefited me via self-hypnosis.

When I was in my early twenties, I was working in a job that I disliked so much that I couldn't sleep. Literally. I actually went for three whole months without one iota of sleep. I was working for a corporation because I had told myself that I had needed the money but it went against my entire being and the nervous system went into overdrive.

However, what got me through each day until I finally had the sense to quit, was every morning, whilst on the train, I would take myself into a very deep hypnotic trance and tell myself over and over again that when I woke up from my deep hypnotic sleep (not actually sleep as we all know) I had gotten a really great eight hours sleep. I would also give myself visualizations that would make me see myself looking very calm and relaxed. I would come out of that trance and be ready for the whole day feeling completely energized and I would get through the day without feeling the least bit tired.

Flotation tanks are brilliant for soothing the nervous system. I've observed that just one hour in one of those tanks and the body feels like it has reset itself. If you do several sessions, you will really feel the benefits.

Diet and supplements: This is the biggest key to resetting the nervous system because you are what you eat. But in addition to this, you are what you eat whilst you think!
Through personal experience, I have discovered that the way I eat can either empower me or dis empower me. Facing a certain direction whilst eating eg. North for mental energizing, East for the spiritual upliftment, West for strength and balance, South - all the destructive forces plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy digestive system which then in turn, affects the nervous system.
Eating in good company, eating with a candle - feeds the spiritual flame, good food combining, eating foods that feed your spiritual growth, blessing your food so that purifies it and takes away the selfishness of mans intentions, sitting with a straight back for easier digestion, Eating your food slowly and chewing thoroughly, Eating until you are only 80% full (important for the last meal of the day when you do not want to overload the digestive system).

If you need support for the nervous system, nettle tea is great. If you are interested in the energies and properties of food, notice the fine little hairs on the nettle. They are just like the nervous system.

Sleep: going to bed at the same time every night, will maintain a healthy nervous system or help a "shot" one recover. Getting to bed and waking up before the cycle of the energies shift is critical in maintaining a healthy nervous system.

I looked up Duluth for you Dennis and these are critical times for Sunrise, Sunset, nautical twilight, astronomical twilight and civil twilight here (http://www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/duluth).



Getting out of bed before the Civil Twilight period starts is important. The energies change as soon as it starts. I have become so sensitive to Mother's Earths energies from practicing this that I now feel it energetically as soon as it shifts.

Twilight times also shows the best times for eating. It is best to eat your evening meal before Civil Twilight ends, and avoid consuming anything after Nautical Twilight ends. These all have an effect on your nervous system, even though they may not seem connected, I've noticed for myself how critical it is for maintaining the intuitive thoughts (which will then be guiding you exactly to what you need next!).
It is best to do something as relaxing as possible after Astronomical Twilight ends, as it represents the end of what the Veda's say is the Satvic time, and the commencement of the Tamasic time.
The Tamasic time period starts at around 8.30pm which is why I am always in bed by 8.30pm - 9.45pm because whenever one stays up late and is not in a meditative state, one can be open to any and all external influences and why, around the full moon at midnight, the hospitals are very busy with people!

Sungazing: There is so much covered on this in other threads but what may not have been mentioned is that alternate sunning and palming will also help reset the nervous system. I have used this in many situations where I cannot use hypnosis. Palming soothes and relaxes the nerves of the eyes and what is connected to the eyes? The brain and the nervous system of course...
And then there is the sun. The sun brings light to the body not only through the skin but also through the eyes.

Nature: Being out in nature is one of the most relaxing things that you can do and sitting underneath a tree by a flowing river will give you the information on "what" to do (the wood element) and "how" (the water element) to do it.

David Allen makes a very big mention in this video about why nature can be so relaxing but the rest of the video has great information too because how we get things done (or how we don't get things done) can also play a very large role in why our nervous systems can become unbalanced.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo7vUdKTlhk


As Runningdear mentioned in her post, deep rhythmic breathing from the lower abdomen.
If you put your hand underneath your navel, notice where you breathe from.
Is it the upper chest, just above the navel or the below the navel?
You can reset the nervous system by breathing below the navel.
Fake it until you make it. Practice at first by lying on the bed and without straining, breathe into the part of the abdomen below the belly button.
This may not have been mentioned before on Avalon. To breathe so that you can access your intuition (which helps you to maintain the flow and stay in the present moment - it does more than that but time is of the essence for me at the moment) you breathe in a square wave.
Take a deep breath in from your lower belly, holding your breath once you have breathed in for as long as you can, Breathe out, hold it out as comfortably as you can for as long as you can. Repeat.

Listening to your heartbeat: It keeps you in the present moment and by listening to it, it calms down the nervous system. You will have to try this for yourself to understand how effective this technique is but I can guarantee that once you try it, you will want to keep on doing it.
Stig Severensen uses the control of his heartbeat and breathe to hold his breath for 20 minutes. I have posted this elsewhere but I wanted to bring all the information here together for you to see.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9c7tkljd3A

with much love to you,
Breal :heart:

[Nasu]

Denis, we all feel like this from time to time, as is evidenced by the responses within this thread. For me, I live at full speed, so have got used to the ups and downs that come with that for myself. For me, over time a sense of abstraction creeps in, till finally I don't recognise myself and need a break. A break for me is getting out into the wilds, even for just a night or two. It helps in every way to re connect with the side of me I like the most. After a good dose of nature, I'm ready to come back and face my next few challenges. You need to get out more, we all do! Lol. When I can't plan a get away, I find a nice beer is a fair second choice till I can get away, as Mike pointed out. For all our differences and geographic placements, we're not so different after all....x... N

[christian]

Simplifying life. Filtering, what do I really need to focus on right now in order to live. In order to be a fully integrated person myself.

That's not egoistic, because it's not inconsiderately abusive. I'm not abusing anyone for that, I'm simply taking care of myself. And if I have some genuine responsibility towards someone else, this will come up as something that I need to do in order to live. Other issues that I had some focus on even though I don't have to will be filtered out though.

Spending time in nature, letting things be, focusing on what makes me thrive right now. That's my tested recipe.

[Heyoka_11]

G'day Dennis,

Sorry to hear that your nerves are shot, but it happens to us all now and then.

My suggestion is oh so boring...include B group vitamins in your recovery regime, and follow pyrangello's good advice in post No.8. You need a decent break and some serious sack time, so take it.

Oh, and severely limit your time spent on the forum

All the Best,

Tony.

[Kari Lynn]

Don’t wait for ‘it’ to build up. Preventive maintenance.

***

Surprisingly simple techniques go a long way. Retrain yourself to breath slow, deep inhale-exhales. And as silly as this sounds, smile. Not the Jim Carrey kind. A gentle, natural smile.

For myself, what worked six months ago no longer does. Knowing that freed me up. It’s about quality not quantity to whatever I do. I pay attention to what my body(ies) say. Nap? Take it. Sit without distraction for five minutes. Do it. Movie rather than study? Do it.

And body movement with focused intent is a double benefit. Remember the walk from Carlos Castaneda's Don Juan's Teachings in “Journey to Ixtlan”?




“You have to curl your fingers gently as you walk in order to keep your attention on the trail and the surroundings. Your ordinary way of walking is debilitating and you should never carry anything in your hands. If things have to be carried one should use a knapsack or any sort of carrying net or shoulder bag. By forcing the hands into a specific position one is capable of greater stamina and greater awareness.”



http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/WhiteCrowBlackDeer/smile_zpsgjcclbml.jpg
♡
I find that when someone happens to be working on my last nerve, that Jim Carey type big toothy grin can be very rewarding, which can bring about it's own way of relaxing things a bit. Especially when that person shows trepidation in his eyes about what his pay-back might be! lol

In all seriousness though, I find many times I'm fighting to "hold-it-together" With three boys and a hubby, work, schools, animals to care for, and normal house hold work, I find that I don't have time to turn around and change my mind, let alone do something for myself that might be relaxing. Since having children, I find that my mind is working all the time. I'm always thinking of something. what needs to be done, what the kids are doing, and other every day worries. My kids have what they call "Alone Time" where they want to be alone with ME! Even hubby now does that. I love being their favorite parent, and person, but the problem is, that leaves very little alone time for myself. But for me, it's just finding time to do something that I enjoy and need in my life at that moment, which could be playing my dad's guitar, gardening, riding a horse, watching a lightening storm (last night. lol), taking a bubble bath, or a date night with hubby alone, which could be just a dinner and movie, or walk in the woods.
I also know that walking or any exercise causes your body to produce serotonin, which helps to relax yourself.
I find now that the boys are getting older, have their own cars, girl friends and friends they go visit all the time, I do get more time to myself now, though the worries about what they are doing, or where they're at are still there.
That's what I find most challenging. Learning to turn off my mind, and not worry. I've become so used to constantly worrying and thinking about something, that I can't turn my mind off anymore and just relax when I do get time alone. still working on that.
Thinking on that. I was remembering my best friend when I was young, who taught me to look in the mirror and "like myself" I think perhaps to be comfortable being alone and not letting the stress and worry in, one has to learn to like themselves. Just a thought.

[lilac]

Haha, Dennis that's funny about your Avatar. I'll have what he's having, hahaha. I have been feeling "nervy" lately because of a severe reaction to the sun in Mexico. The result is an itch that keeps me awake at night. My job is stressful right now, so losing sleep makes me edgy. Naps are great, epsom salt baths, walking barefoot - simple fresh air. But I have lots of different tricks to fit with what I have time for. I have always loved driving on the open road - it makes me feel better about everything, because there is nothing else to do but drive. You might do something when you get there, but in the moment you're just drivin'. And I love to sing, like there's nobody listening, especially when I'm driving. Otherwise, I prefer silence. Sometimes I weed the garden. Then I lose track of time. I think it's good to keep the diet simple - lots of lettuce (supposed to be calming). If I can't sleep and I'm worried and agitated, I go for my old buddies, Stargate SG1. There is always a good laugh and it always works out in the end. ( I didn't say I was perfect, just gettin' by.)

[RunningDeer]

I find that when someone happens to be working on my last nerve, that Jim Carey type big toothy grin can be very rewarding, which can bring about it's own way of relaxing things a bit. Especially when that person shows trepidation in his eyes about what his pay-back might be! lol
Hi Kari Lynn,:wave:

My first choice was the Joker-duo, but I decided to go with color. http://avalonlibrary.net/paula/Recovered/paint-girl_zpsrpky1udi.GIF

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/WhiteCrowBlackDeer/joker_zpsjvb9jyhz.jpg

[zen deik]

Present moment living.... Learning the art of healthy detachment..... Not being a control freak....dealing with unfounded fears.....gaining faith..... Taking care of me....practicing self love.. ….eating healthy.... Exercise..... Having fun....chilling out.. All good tools to use to keep me balanced...

[RunningDeer]

I personally find almost any kind of Indian or Oriental physical routine very beneficial. For example, t'ai chi: it's *supposed* to be free and it is so gentle that just about anyone who can still move, can do it. Videos and books are vastly inferior to finding a legitimate lineage holder in your area. Total body integration with peaceful mind. It does things to you, that are simply unknown in the Western systems of sports, etc. The benefits of physical activity not only counteract a great deal of toxins and stress, but make the body turn towards the foodstuffs and rest patterns that it needs.

I’ve been involved in Tai Chi since 1988 and studied with Dr. Yang Jwing Ming. If one is not interest in the fighting, sword, competition, Chi Na (joint breaking) aspects then I’d say don't let finding as you say, a legitimate lineage holder stop you. If the goal is continued health, relaxation and flexibility of mind and body, I’d suggest to get out there and do it.

I agree, the benefits go beyond the physical aspects. Early on the books helped me to understand how to run the energy and the physics within the art. (Or is it the art within the physics? :))

If Tai Chi is too much of a commitment, the simple movements of Chi Kung is a good alternative. I did a quick search. Here’s one of many videos.


4 mins Morning Qi Gong and Stretching routines - 5
p72J7YxZa5Q

[Daozen]

Sorry to hear that Dennis. B Vitamins and Wheatgrass might be a good start. As would detoxing with powdered zeolite and (maybe) cilantro. Selenium and Detoxadine can't hurt. (I always mention Detoxadine, because it helped me more than any other supplement. I don't sell it.)

Playing mantras like this all day, or calming music might do something:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8mWj-qfCW8

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5dU6serXkg

I find soaking in hot springs an excellent way to calm down:

http://www.findaspring.com/category/archives/minnesota/

[3(C)+me]

B vitamins
Magnesium
vitamin E
Omega 3
probiotics
sleep
delegating when possible
nature
regular exercise
saying no

[DeDukshyn]

...

... Oh, and severely limit your time spent on the forum

All the Best,

Tony.

Lol, best advice yet!! But seriously just chiming in again to echo Heyoka's sentiments on B vitamins. B vitamins, while fairly easy to get in omnivorous diets, are water soluble and easily depleted. A good multi B Complex, goes a long way to combatting stress, and deficiencies almost always increase it.

[seah]

so much good advice already given I won't add to it, but want to say that this month has been an extremely trying time for many of us, something planetary is going on, the astrological folks can explain far better than I. So hunker down for a bit longer and it should all clear up. :flower:

[OBwan]

Stress can be triggered by many things in life and many have a common reason of fear. An example would be financial stress caused by the fear of foreclosure on one’s home. Another would be the sickness of the child and a fear that a cure does not exist.

These are two type of stress that I experienced in my life. As I addressed the fear associated with the stressor, solutions came into my life.

The following process has been a resource to many who were experiencing stress as a result of some type of fear. With the fear removed, they could think more clearly and found another choice to pursue.

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?76245-How-to-Remove-Fearful-Feeling-from-Past-Memories

Be In Peace,
OBwan

[Callista]

There is a lot going on in the Collective at this time - and many of those of us who are empaths pick this up - this message may help to explain some of this and provide some welcome relief:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_TBFrDZwFk

much love Dennis - and please reach out to us if you need some counsel xx

Callista and Will

[gripreaper]

A lot of great info in this thread, and of course, a very important question to be answered. As usual, I want to create a context for my response. The environmental stressors, of course, need to be adjusted and reduced, that seems like a no brainer. Then of course the physical deficiencies need to be addressed, and this thread has done a great job in handling both of those. Then, mentally, we need to adjust our thinking and out beliefs, and Avalon is a great place to do that.

But, I want to go to the very core, the very nervous system setpoint of the soul, the incoming cellular visceral imprint of our gestation, birth and subsequent infancy. This is what I would call the core, the very brainstem reptilian fight or flight adrenaline survival impulse and autonomic system setpoint, the energetic signals which amplify or decrease the hormone responses in the body, and how these are connected to all of our lives, all of our past lives, and all of the beliefs we hold from all of those life experiences and the collective consciousness we carry in our very DNA from all of our souls many sojourns through physicality.

Yeah, once you deal with the current lifetime genetics and the current environmental stressors, you need to delve into who you are on a soul level and the energetic constructs you hold sequestered by your beliefs, and how these beliefs are manifesting in energetic agitations from those sequestered and severed energies which are amplified in your nervous system. In other words, you need to meditate and get to the core patterns you repeat and connect them to the beliefs and reconnect the agitated and sequestered energy into wholeness, into unity, and into greater consciousness. That is what we are here to do, to ascend and too hold more of a unified energy of all creation in a body, in the cells, in our very DNA. That is the grand dream and the grand experiment of this planet we call earth, and the destiny of being in a human body.

It's quite the ride, and eliminating the agitated and sequestered energies of the nervous system is the barometer of our wholeness and what we need to look at. Dig deep, go out in nature, put your bare feet in the ground, next to a energetic nexus and listen to the deep longing of your soul. The stress is just telling you that there is more to connect back to who you truly are, the wholeness from which you came.

[Franny]

Try earth grounding several times a week for 20 - 30 minutes at a time along with a meditation and/or music. It changes and calms the brain waves and I also read, the heart/brain coherence.

[sarah22]

I agree, latte- and in addition, I have found the Earthing pads can really help too, but nothing beats just putting your feet on the earth. I am sorry you are feeling this way, it's not fun. Hope some of these suggestions help. :)

[Daozen]

One last thing, being on a laptop all day means you will be irradiating yourself with close to microwave frequencies. And Why-fry can't help much either:

http://www.howtogeek.com/171869/why-does-running-my-microwave-kill-my-wi-fi-connectivity/ (http://www.howtogeek.com/171869/why-does-running-my-microwave-kill-my-wi-fi-connectivity/)

[Eric J (Viking)]

Hi Dennis hope all is well.

I just walk through the woods and connect to mother nature. Works every time.

Be well.

Viking

[DNA]

For whatever reason(s) in our lives, many of us have experienced times where it is obvious that our nervous system is stressed... maybe even pushed beyond the breaking point.

Nervous system "overload" can be from emotional factors that are creating physical (and subsequent emotional) effects, physical causes (trauma, neurochemical or electrolyte imbalance, toxins, dehydration, etc.), or from externally applied energy (microwaves, etc.), or combinations of those vectors. So, treatment should take into account all factors involved, which may be different for different people... or even different times in someone's life.

If someone is (for example) dehydrated, a physical cause for an acute condition, then meditation or hiking or getting away from WiFi isn't going to fix the problem. A checklist of "the obvious" (such as hydrating, or getting away from stressors) is a good idea. Bearing in mind the more obvious things we might do if our "nerves are shot", what are your own tried-and-tested-true remedies for chronic nervous system sub-optimal functioning? (a.k.a. "my nerves are shot")

Thanks in advance for whatever you're willing to share.

It is my opinion that what we look at in terms of being the state of our emotional nervous system is in fact our chi or qi system.

There are so many things that factor into your energy being either high or low.

If your Chi or Qi is high then your nerves are going to be just fine.

I find the number 1 thing that drains your energy is being in a bad relationship. The next would probably be your job. The next would probably be the quality of food or lack there of it.
Better to give the house and car to the wife and live in a studio apartment while taking the bus than to be in a bad relationship.

Dennis I've read your posts enough to know, that you already know all of this stuff.
But sometimes we all need to be reminded of certain things, so I've posted for you as I would if someone else had asked the question.
No disrespect intended.

[Stephanie]

Thank you Dennis for starting this wonderful thread,
that all have come together to contribute with information, insights, wisdom, caring, loving....
...creating with all our best intentions, on a deeper level, a healing whilst sharing
of the best we can for each other.
:heart:

[Matthew]

In case this is useful something.. sitting in a quiet dark room. This helps me :)
Wishing you well, much love
Matthew

[Constance]

Thank you Dennis for starting this wonderful thread,
that all have come together to contribute with information, insights, wisdom, caring, loving....
...creating with all our best intentions, on a deeper level, a healing whilst sharing
of the best we can for each other.
:heart:

Sstarss, you are such a loving soul. Whenever I read one of your posts, I want to give you a big hug!

Which reminds me!

Hugs are also great for the nervous system. I never underestimate the power of a hug. It has been hugely instrumental on my own healing journey...

Joe Mercola talks about it here (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/06/hugging.aspx)...

I may not be able to hug you in person Dennis but I am sending you lots of air hugs :bearhug::bearhug::bearhug:

[norski]

Thank you Dennis and everyone for this helpful thread. Over the last eight months I have been through extraordinary stress. I have an anxiety disorder from childhood abuse. As an adult, I've lived in an almost constant state of frenzy rescuing animals and people... But never able to rescue myself. Last October I had a dream which scrolled through what seemed like all of my past lives. The theme of these many lives was that I keep coming back as a victim. A couple of weeks later I attempted suicide but, fortunately, was saved by my husband. I was not myself at that time which was terrifying. I posted the event and was wisely advised to remain vigilant.

Over the last month, we almost lost our home due to a client's failure to pay me on a large overdue invoice. I had to come up with 60,000 within a few weeks to satisfy a land contract. For days I could not sleep one week. I went four days without any sleep (no exaggeration). I had to keep working because I am the sole source of support for my family. Two weeks ago I could not take it anymore. I was shaking at work and could not hide my stress a moment longer. I drove to a friend's house and collapsed. I have always viewed this friend and her husband as parental figures but did not want to ever burden them with my sorrows. This time I told my friend what was happening. On the spot she lent me 60,000 and held me while I sobbed and shook. I stayed with her for several days (her husband was abroad) while she cared for me. My husband stayed in our home to take care of our family. I continued and continue to work but am being mothered in a way I never experienced. Now, I have to mother and learn to love myself. I still wrestle with anxiety and probably always will. But, this absolutely unexpected, undeserved, and grand act of kindness by my friend has stunned me in a way that I must consider that the universe may have a place for me as someone other than a victim. It is such a hard habit to break.
Now, I am trying to physically recover. It seems nervous tension can become quite entrained. I plan to try your suggestions.
Thank you for listening.

[Ewan]

I absolutely love this place at times, so many beautiful caring people. :)

[RunningDeer]

...I must consider that the universe may have a place for me as someone other than a victim. It is such a hard habit to break.

Now, I am trying to physically recover. It seems nervous tension can become quite entrained. I plan to try your suggestions.
Thank you for listening.
Sometimes we forget that it’s a matter of ripping off the bandaid to break the cycle of victimhood. Free will. Choice in every moment.

Each courageous step one takes to change what needs changing is calling back the scattered bits across dimensions.

Continued wellness on your journey, norski. http://avalonlibrary.net/paula/Recovered/smileys-hugs-765537_zpso1eaenyy.gif


http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/WhiteCrowBlackDeer/norski_zpsygvscukn.jpg

RunningDeer ♡

[Limor Wolf]

Not yet read this thread, but read Norski's post and find parts that I greatly identify with, the universe has made an opening for you, much love and peace.

Am intending for my own call to arrive

[Dennis Leahy]

I absolutely love this place at times, so many beautiful caring people. :)

I agree! :~)

Lots of excellent suggestions, and as I had hoped, enough variety of suggestions that many of us (probably all of us) can find something helpful to take from the smorgasbord of ideas.

I must admit that for me personally, in Duluth, Minnesota, with the late arrival of spring, lack of sunshine and warmth, and still completely bare trees and bushes, make it difficult to imagine putting my bare feet on the ground yet, or walking through the woods, or sitting next to a stream, or gardening (all of which are not only excellent ideas, they are all things I love to do.) Soon, though. Soon spring will arrive here, and several of these wonderful therapy avenues will become available again. (Not to say that winter makes outdoor activities impossible here. However, I "thrive" in spring, summer, and fall - but more or less just "survive" winter here.)

I don't ascribe to "magic bullets", and it should be obvious by the array of suggestions ranging from spiritual through emotional and physical that any single one of these ideas is incomplete, but right now for me I do feel like I need a missing nutrient, like my nervous system is literally depleted and crying out for something. If any of you have ever in your past done strong psychedelics... remember the day after, how your nervous system felt? That. That's the physical sensation, but this isn't going away. I want to drink some elixir (Mike just perked up) that actually does what Gatorade advertisements would lead you believe, something that quenches my neurons. A "nerve tonic" that isn't snake oil.

Music is a big deal to me and certainly a part of my nervous system healing or health maintenance regimen. Music is medicine. Serendipitously, I stumbled onto a new piece of music yesterday that is profoundly moving to me. So far, this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w7khl1lixQ)* is the most powerful medicine I have taken.

*(I'm curious if this piece of music is as moving to anyone else, or if this is just my whacked-out nervous system reacting to it. It is a fingerstyle guitar masterpiece that is more than an homage to Michael Hedges, it is where Hedges breakaway Aerial Boundaries might have gone next. For me, this song multiplies the powerful emotion of the original song and artist that it emulates. That triggers deep emotional memories that are generally pleasant, yet some passages in there make me feel like weeping. Listen as loud as you dare.)

[Mike]

Dennis that song is awesome....kind of mystical and contemplative....I really dig it.

One more thing: ...and its so simple...so simple that I almost feel silly saying it to a brilliant dude like yourself: walks.

I take long walks. Man it helps. My younger friends chide me for it, call it "old mannish" etc, but I dont care. Also, I think I meditate on these walks without even realizing it. I suspect many people do.

Pretty therapeutic.

[shaberon]

I can't really imagine dealing with a Northern winter. It's roasting here. Somehow Vikings and Inuits make their way through.

The thing that's come to my attention lately on the whole subject of nutrition & supplements and why they might not act right is the issue of absorption. Worst case scenario, severely obese people might not be that way from a "glandular disorder" but moreso because they cannot absorb properly, thus get hooked into an addiction of overeating.

It goes to things that were, again, formerly commonplace but then swept away: the ferments and pro-biotics. Our digestive system and immune system is really a blend of beneficial symbiotes. But without replenishing these properly, they soon become a minority to other kinds of bacteria and yeast that weaken and change us; and if one's digestive system is mostly parasites, then you are going to miss the benefits of nutritious food, minerals, etc., because you never receive them throughout the body.

Acid factor is probably also important; osteoperosis comes when the body leaches calcium out of the bones trying to adjust.

Yogurt with a long shelf life is mostly dead, but fresh yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchee, kombucha and so forth are things we probably need to eat in order to be able to really eat anything else. Cabbage leaf has a natural high occurrence of acidophilus bacteria which makes it a choice candidate for fermenting.

Then the good nerve foods such as vitamins B and bananas can do their job. I know how you feel. I come unplugged all the time and don't necessarily follow my own advice, but I fully believe that the "gut flora symbiote" is the engine of proper digestion and immunity.

Oh, and I somewhat /agree RunningDeer that getting started on basics from a video is entirely possible. It's not just personal instruction that's a little bit better, but when you bridle yourself to a magnetic chain which extends back towards the dawn of time, that's something very special which has no imitation, nor even a counterpart in Western culture.

[Constance]

I absolutely love this place at times, so many beautiful caring people. :)

I agree! :~)

Lots of excellent suggestions, and as I had hoped, enough variety of suggestions that many of us (probably all of us) can find something helpful to take from the smorgasbord of ideas.

I must admit that for me personally, in Duluth, Minnesota, with the late arrival of spring, lack of sunshine and warmth, and still completely bare trees and bushes, make it difficult to imagine putting my bare feet on the ground yet, or walking through the woods, or sitting next to a stream, or gardening (all of which are not only excellent ideas, they are all things I love to do.) Soon, though. Soon spring will arrive here, and several of these wonderful therapy avenues will become available again. (Not to say that winter makes outdoor activities impossible here. However, I "thrive" in spring, summer, and fall - but more or less just "survive" winter here.)

I don't ascribe to "magic bullets", and it should be obvious by the array of suggestions ranging from spiritual through emotional and physical that any single one of these ideas is incomplete, but right now for me I do feel like I need a missing nutrient, like my nervous system is literally depleted and crying out for something. If any of you have ever in your past done strong psychedelics... remember the day after, how your nervous system felt? That. That's the physical sensation, but this isn't going away. I want to drink some elixir (Mike just perked up) that actually does what Gatorade advertisements would lead you believe, something that quenches my neurons. A "nerve tonic" that isn't snake oil.

Music is a big deal to me and certainly a part of my nervous system healing or health maintenance regimen. Music is medicine. Serendipitously, I stumbled onto a new piece of music yesterday that is profoundly moving to me. So far, this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w7khl1lixQ)* is the most powerful medicine I have taken.

*(I'm curious if this piece of music is as moving to anyone else, or if this is just my whacked-out nervous system reacting to it. It is a fingerstyle guitar masterpiece that is more than an homage to Michael Hedges, it is where Hedges breakaway Aerial Boundaries might have gone next. For me, this song multiplies the powerful emotion of the original song and artist that it emulates. That triggers deep emotional memories that are generally pleasant, yet some passages in there make me feel like weeping. Listen as loud as you dare.)

I have been thinking about what you have been saying here Dennis regarding your situation and I did wonder if you were still going through the trials of winter... so to offer suggestions that may be more helpful to you right now...

Anything green in the diet is going to increase the amount of natural sulphur in your diet which will aid the nervous system. So with the thought in mind of an elixir, lots of green smoothies could be highly beneficial.

Herbs are great when administered as a nervine tonic.

Here (http://www.rosebearmedicinals.com/blog/nervines-herbs-nervous-system) is a useful website.

As you are probably already aware, you can make teas or tinctures out of the herbs. These may give your body the calming it needs...

:heart:

[Nasu]

Loved that guitar solo, really cool. My only observation in myself was it made me quite thoughtful and reflective. Even in winter the master needs to collect the water and chop the wood.. Action cures fear, even more than beer! Here's a tune more fitting for action or the contemplation of action... Enjoy...x... N


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxB4mcaLlfo

[zen deik]

A day on the water fishing....

[DeDukshyn]

Smoke some herb ...

& listen to Nasu's post above? ;)

[Daozen]

That song is very destressing Dennis. Reminds me of Oceans by John Butler. I am currently stressed this morning, because the prima-donna alcoholic web master I worked with in 2015 has stolen the domain name microflow.io, and isn't returning mails. After listening to that song I put it all in perspective, and realized that the whole mini-drama will probably be sorted out in 72 hours.

As several people have mentioned, deep breathing helps a lot. I reduced my resting heart rate by 20-30 bpm per minute, just by a couple of weeks of slow, controlled breathing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VAkOhXIsI0

[Heyoka_11]

...but right now for me I do feel like I need a missing nutrient, like my nervous system is literally depleted and crying out for something.

Hey Dennis,

At the risk of repeating myself (and I know that I am) ...B group vitamins, in particular B1 (Thiamine), as it plays a key role in the health of the myelin sheath which protects nerve fibre. If one is, for whatever reason, suffering severe depletion of B1, it is as if one's nervous system has been laid bare, with resultant physical stress. That stress, naturally, also manifests as psychological and emotional stress.

Dose up Dennis. Whilst it is not a magic bullet, B1, in conjunction with the entire B group, is a huge step forward in combating your current state.

You may tingle from head to toe when you take the stuff, and feel just a little flushed, but you'll know that it's working.

Can I suggest 100 mg/day until symptoms lift?

Anyway, if you choose to give it a go, please read up up on the stuff using the link below, as you will consume it at your own risk.

http://http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-thiamine_vitamin_b1/article_em.htm

All the Best,

Tony.

[RunningDeer]

post deleted
:offtopic:

[Daozen]

Thiamine is excellent. I have been taking 100mg plus alongside a standard B Complex. Yes, it really calms me down. One of the best supplments out there, with very few side effects or contraindications.

[zen deik]

Vitamin D supplement daily especially in the winter helps with the blues....

[Marianne]

Dennis, I've had personal experience and good benefit from milky oats (https://theherbalacademy.com/oats-benefits-getting-to-know-avena-sativa/), as a tincture and oatstraw in a herbal tea blend (equal parts oatstraw, chamomile, and spearmint). It actually works to repair the myelin sheath associated with the nervous system.


Myelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty substances. This myelin sheath allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells.

[betoobig]

Nature, take a walk in nature, naked feet if posible. As much as posible. That will discharge your body pooring negative energy out and wellcoming nature's vibes. Grounding. Please accept some healling energy coming your way, allow yourself to recive. Thank you.
Much love Dennis
Juan

[Debra]

33401
Hey Dennis, you do us all a community service asking this question, thank you :bigsmile: .. It maybe the drab end of winter but how about making yourself a good fire outside and handing over all your thoughts into the flames ?

33402
After that, some perfect company. Animal medicine to bring out the big smiles ...

33403
aaaaah there you are!

Deb X

[RunningDeer]

Minor tweak. Cool, Lady Z http://avalonlibrary.net/paula/Recovered/clap_zpspp7oeh2v.GIF


http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/WhiteCrowBlackDeer/Zeb_zpsakxx5mtr.jpg

♡

[Hervé]

As it happens:

The Health & Wellness Show: Stress and the compromised Adrenal system (https://www.sott.net/article/317364-The-Health-Wellness-Show-Stress-and-the-compromised-Adrenal-system#)

Sott.net (https://www.sott.net/article/317364-The-Health-Wellness-Show-Stress-and-the-compromised-Adrenal-system#) Fri, 29 Apr 2016 14:00 UTC




https://www.sott.net/image/s10/212619/large/stressss_1050x590.jpg (https://www.sott.net/image/s10/212619/full/stressss_1050x590.jpg)


Are you stressed? Suffering from extreme tiredness? Need stimulants to get going in the morning? So dead tired at the end of the day that sleep seems like a dream that will never come true? Many suffer silently from a seemingly nebulous thing called adrenal fatigue. Prolonged physical, mental, and/or emotional stress, lack of rest, poor diet, antibiotics, and continual stimulation of the nervous system via electronics contribute to adrenal compromise.

Today on the Health and wellness show we discussed the good and bad aspects of stress and its effects on the adrenal system. The adrenals may be small and misunderstood, but in essence, there is no quality of life if they are not functioning properly. What steps can we take to provide the adrenals with adequate nutrition, supplements, herbs, lifestyle changes and alternative modalities such as meditation and bodywork.

In Zoya's pet health segment, adrenal issues in doggies are also covered. Listen to the show below.

Running Time: 01:34:22

Download: OGG (https://media.sott.net/srn/20160429hws-stress-and-the-compromised-adrenal-system.ogg), MP3 (https://media.sott.net/srn/20160429hws-stress-and-the-compromised-adrenal-system.mp3)

[RunningDeer]

Doc John Waterman gives his explanation of how junk DNA is tightly wound from stress(ors) and gives suggestions on how to counter it. The full story begins around 58 minutes, and @ 1:02:00 (quick link here) (https://youtu.be/BD0N4k4vS70?t=1h2m00s) Waterman jumps into the junk DNA part. The topic runs for approximately eighteen minutes. It’s worth a listen. :thumbsup:


Doc Waterman - re FEMA, EQs and Financial Meltdown
BD0N4k4vS70

[DNA]

Dennis, I've had personal experience and good benefit from milky oats (https://theherbalacademy.com/oats-benefits-getting-to-know-avena-sativa/), as a tincture and oatstraw in a herbal tea blend (equal parts oatstraw, chamomile, and spearmint). It actually works to repair the myelin sheath associated with the nervous system.


Myelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty substances. This myelin sheath allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells.


I order organic spearmint by the pound through Amazon. That's how much of the stuff I drink. People roll their eyes when I tell them that I can actually feel my brain absorbing the stuff as I drink it. I'll have to look into some of the stuff you are talking about here, because I can personally attest to spearmint having a brain healing quality to it.

[betoobig]

Hello, i wanted to answer fast to Dennis and when i did post i did not read all the posts in the thread, now i have done it....
..... This is so fantastic, so much loving caring people, if Avalon were real/physical it would be paradise.
Dennis, i loved the song, very special...
Ok, why dont you try to laugh out the streess. Try with this
PC0XkjPCZG4
Much love to all

[Hervé]

Then, there is the "charging" of one's own "self" in the same manner as people charge crystals (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?228-Dr.-Wilhelm-Reich-Orgone-devices-Orgonite&p=842001&viewfull=1#post842001) or water (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?63347-What-if-...-All-the-problem-we-have-today-is-because-of-how-we-treat-water-...) (Emoto) or whatever with an intent/intention/emotion/etc...

... like “Everyday in every way, I am getting better and better” (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?59276-Q-and-A-about-Ron-Hubbard-Bill-Robertson-Scientology-the-Free-Zone-and-Ron-s-Org&p=962471&viewfull=1#post962471)

... and a pinch of Ho'oponopono (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?45250-Jesus-the-man-JESUS-the-Archon----inspired-by-Houman--s-Horus-Ra-thread&p=495518&viewfull=1#post495518)...

[betoobig]

Hey Dennis, this has given me a break through. Skyheaven posted in "surfing with wind" thread. Give it a try please!
zRNfTVVW7co
Love you bro!

[onawah]

I'm sure most of us here know that feeling, Dennis!
Being awake and aware carries its own load of stress-making factors, though they will differ from person to person.
I do so many things to keep myself from stressing out it would take too much time to list them all here.
( The "regular folks" who know me would probably all think I'm a hypochondriac if they knew, but I know better!)
But I've listed some of my best, ongoing ones on one of Mike's recent threads here: http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?90417-Anyone-Here-Use-Water-Ionizer-and-or-Cayce-Wet-Cell-Battery&p=1065265&viewfull=1#post1065265

Some things I didn't mention:
Juicing regularly with fresh organic fruit in the AM and vegies in the PM.
I'm very susceptible to cold and damp, but I try to walk in the woods near where I live as often as possible and spend at least an hour there cozied up to my favorite old Oak tree on the mattress I made of bubble wrap (my bones are too old to lie directly on the ground, though I would if I could).
And the walk down there and back, which is on a hill, gives my heart and lungs a good workout.
I dress in layers of warm clothes and take a woolen blanket with me on cold days, a sheet on hot days to keep the mosquitoes off.
I think just being outdoors keeps me sane more than anything else...
If I could pitch a tent down there (I can't because it's not my land), I would, and would keep a warm sleeping bag for napping in.
If I had a screened in sleeping porch, I would sleep there a lot and spend as much time as possible in other activities.

Birdsong and squirrel chatter is music for my particular soul (plus an occasional fox "yip").
When I'm indoors :ranger: I listen to music combined with Nature sounds like these:
0DoJ4I0NJR0
_JgHVlcaQJ0
_JgHVlcaQJ0
0lqFFhocPBw

There's nothing better than a restful night's sleep. :sleep:
I always read for awhile before trying for one (nothing too heavy--usually fiction), and take L-Tryptophan and a homeopathic remedy, Aconitum Napellus (I've used several different homeopathic remedies over the years for insomnia--they change periodically, and different ones work differently for different people, but when you find the right one(s), they're great!
(There are some specifically for nerves.)

Hot baths before bed are great.:bathbaby:
Another life-saver for me, though it's kind of a catch-22 because I'm sensitive to EMFs, is my TENS unit.
I have tendonitis in my neck, shoulders, knees and hips and it causes a lot of chronic pain.
Using the TENS unit relaxes the tendons and muscles relieves the pains accrued during the day enough to allow me to sleep deeply--I use it while reading, and it's a good combination--both relaxes me and gets my mind off the things that tend to worry me.

As we get older, different supplements become more essential.
One I've found that really helps is reduced coQ10/Ubiquinol.
For joint pain, I take astaxanthin and curcumin with coconut butter.

To your health, Avalonians!:tea:

[norman]

For whatever reason(s) in our lives, many of us have experienced times where it is obvious that our nervous system is stressed... maybe even pushed beyond the breaking point.

Nervous system "overload" can be from emotional factors that are creating physical (and subsequent emotional) effects, physical causes (trauma, neurochemical or electrolyte imbalance, toxins, dehydration, etc.), or from externally applied energy (microwaves, etc.), or combinations of those vectors. So, treatment should take into account all factors involved, which may be different for different people... or even different times in someone's life.

If someone is (for example) dehydrated, a physical cause for an acute condition, then meditation or hiking or getting away from WiFi isn't going to fix the problem. A checklist of "the obvious" (such as hydrating, or getting away from stressors) is a good idea. Bearing in mind the more obvious things we might do if our "nerves are shot", what are your own tried-and-tested-true remedies for chronic nervous system sub-optimal functioning? (a.k.a. "my nerves are shot")

Thanks in advance for whatever you're willing to share.

I had a 'complete' breakdown about twelve years ago.

I can recommend it. The only thing I regret is that I was such a pathetic baby during it all. The thought of it makes me cringe just as much as remembering those rediculously wide flairs in the seventies.

Best wishes.

[quiltinggrandma]

Thank you so much dennis for this thread.Long ago i found quilting to be my outlet and my expression.All of us have different "outlets".There are alot of fellas taking up crocheting these days.I suddenly remember a picture of rosie greer aboard an air plane knitting.Sometimes i find myself choking my thread(too tight of stitches)and that helps me realize that i'm tense.I'm retired and keep a very low profile with people.It's very hard to stay centered and calm when others bring drama and trauma to you.The powers that be love to keep us in that nervous state.In the work force,day after day of constant bonbardment would make anyone feel nerve shot.You must find your way of bypassing the cercuit.I really love avalon,,and to all of you"never lose sight of how wonderful and powerful you are".

[BMJ]

Hi Dennis,
I don't know if it has been mentioned but I can attest to some things that may help you, here goes:

1. Lavender Oil - Place a few drops on a face towel and place it on your pillow before you go to sleep. It will calm you down and relax your body and allow you to sleep.

2. Techniques:

Vacation - Simple lay down clear your mind and have a nap, get up when you feel refreshed.

Distraction - Doing anything which allows you to distract you from your thoughts, for example gardening whilst gardening completely immerse yourself on the task at hand you could use this technique for anything you do even enjoying a shower or a ice cream.

[Dennis Leahy]

I hope those for whom this thread and all the good suggestions might be helpful are gaining some ideas.

Everything I've tried helps, but nothing has restored vibrancy, yet.

On Saturday, I drove (a couple of hours of country driving) to the homestead of dear friends. On the way, I listened to some instrumental music and tried to experience the notes sort of "reprogramming me." After a while, I started singing the notes, vibrating my head like I was chanting. Entering my friends' unusual northern Minnesota home is always an experience. I slid past the fig trees in their entrance-way, past the 10 foot tall bird of paradise, turned left at the 15 foot tall banana plant, and into a couple of bear hugs. The day was spent leisurely - just being together, and included walking through their large (agricultural tunnel) organic gardens, sitting by a calm beautiful lake, watching mallards and dragonflies, examining luthier wood, doing a tiny bit of luthier work, checking out their latest incredible artistic projects, playing and listening to my friend's latest guitar, sharing a couple of meals together (I made black bean noodles tossed with sauteed tempeh, baby portabellas, onions, garlic, and red pepper - and frozen berry smoothies.) It was a total decompression day, and I was reluctant to leave.

Today was gorgeous outside, about 65°F and mostly sunny with white, puffy, real (!) clouds. I hiked along a creek and sat on a large, ancient crystal of basalt, overlooking numerous small waterfalls. And I breathed. I breathed in the negative ions. I was conscious that I was sitting on a big crystal that is outcropping from billions of years-old volcanic bedrock. You can't get more grounded than that! hahaha

I walked barefoot on the soil for the first time this year. I even climbed a rocky hill barefoot to stimulate my feet. I listened to the breeze. I watched 5 red-tailed hawks soar. I ran down the trail for a short downhill section, bouncing from one side of the washed-out trail to the other, trying to use rapid action to force a "no thinking" zen state (something I loved to do, back when I lived in Colorado, as a 20-something kid.)

I felt invigorated but also wobble-headed and woozy at times. I noticed that when walking on flat pavement, some muscles in my legs seem to be firing randomly, making me feel twitchy and not completely under control. Several times I felt as if I was inside a body, just sort of getting used to my new body or something. Of course, we are inside a body, but I don't normally feel like I'm piloting a meatsuit avatar.

I know there are spiritual and emotional components, but there is a physical component to this as well - and I still think I need some sort of a real "nerve tonic" or missing nutrient. So far, B vitamins, multi-vitamins, eating light (like organic fruit), drinking extra water, epsom salt soaks, extra sleep... are not enough. Something is still missing.

I'm going back through the thread looking for your suggestions for herbs and such. I have ordered some Lion's Mane mushroom powder. I think Herve is onto something with the "adrenal fatigue" and I'm also reading about that.

Be well, my friends, and when you are well, celebrate it! (and maintain it!)

Dennis

[onawah]

Royal Peruvian Maca is very good for adrenal fatigue. It helps to balance and rejuvenate all the glands. I started taking it when I was going through "the change", and was a member of a women's group that were all around the same age, and we all started taking it around the same time, with amazing results.
(No more hot flashes, mood swings, depression, rage, etc., that are common symptoms.)
I've been taking it consistently (about a tablespoon per day) for over 12 years now, and it really helps me stay grounded and gives me energy and emotional stability.
But it's not just good for women-great for guys too!
There is an online company called Raw Food World that has several varieties, great prices and lots of information about it.
http://www.therawfoodworld.com/organicrawmacapowder1lbgradeaaa-pi1001038#.VyleBdQrLGg
It might be just the ticket...

[Joe Sustaire]

Hurray Dennis, yes, camaraderie with good friends and direct contact with the mother ship is the best fix!

As to the something physical that you still feel is needed...... I'm telling you it's pork! Sausage, bacon, more sausage! As well as that nector of the gods, at least on the weekends, ....... margaritas! Not to excess mind you, just to balance and lubricate the nerve endings!

All is good........ :sun:

[Hym]

I am reluctant to offer any advice because your approach seems so very balanced and insightful as it is already. So, anything I may add is just a small part of the mix of the love that is returning to you that you have sent out. I'll add a little to the mix on the physical level but it seems that your search and sharing here may have the journey's quest within it own steps.

I see that you are very aware, obvious from all you share here anyway, of the balance of connecting with nature and movement. Sometimes I see we have left a portion of our natural movement, as you did in your 20's, out of our weekly routines because of our past experiences and the expectations we connected to as the reason for doing them, now seen as self-inflicted ageism. It is not only okay to get lost at times in the mindless enjoyment of movement, exercise, whatever it is called, it is required to stay sane and balanced.

There is not much that compares to daily exercise when it comes to remaining inspired and focused. It is an important component in living a vibrant life. I have always used movement as a means not to focus on the physical body, but as a way of transcending it and it's limitations. It also is a precursor to being able to control the breath, as breath control assists the mind in being directed and surpassed.

When you need energy the easiest way to increase it is to practice this one breath control method that involves pulling the lower locks:

Inhale and exhale slowly 3 times.
On the last exhale keep the air out and contract the lower abdomen towards the spine. Explore the feelings and watch the mind. This is Prana, Energy. Practice variations of this by doing it whenever you are low in energy. When you are well versed in it you can pull the lower locks, then the upper locks, while doing most anything.

Beyond that, the awareness of your subtle bodies comes into focus and the exercise becomes the opposite of what most think of, becoming hard and contracted internally and very loose and flexible externally. The connection to controlling internal body fluids shows itself and energy is rarely missed. It is all a natural process and simply needs your daily practice to explore it. I share this as the subtle energies are a good way to connect to the driving forces of how we live our lives, our inspirations and even highlight those habitual hidden energies that we no longer need.

As a balance to this exercise, when you feel a different kind of being stuck without internal movement, the use of this exercise that has you hold your breath after a deep inhale, while you contract your inner organs, back of the neck straight, chin slightly tucked in,... this is UhPaanuh (apana), the removal of disease, unwanted thoughts, and elimination functions.

For now, focus on the simplicity of how well this internal exercise rejuvenates your energies.

Also, playing with cold water, ishnaan, to revitalize and oxygenate the skin and the internal organs has always energized me:

Going in and out of cold water, extremities first, in and out 3 x's each, then the back, 3 x's each, then the front of the torso, 3 x's each, then the face and head last.



Try these as your experiments tell you to follow them. When used along with warm or very warm water, before or after ishnaan, warmth also works.

All the best Dennis and Thanks for the Insights.
Hymn

[zen deik]

Perhaps some blood work, sugar problem?

[onawah]

There is an epidemic of people experiencing problems with overgrowth of candida fungus, one of the things which have been found in quantities in chemtrails, or so I've read.
It will cause fatigue, dizziness, lack of focus, etc., by causing an overly acidic PH and if not controlled, will eventually result in immune system breakdown and cancer.
Extra pro-biotics will help with that, also taking small doses of baking soda in water.

Seems like we have to work even harder nowadays to stay healthy, but we also keep finding more and better tools to accomplish that, at least.

[ErtheVessel]

Dennis, I only have a moment today, but I wanted to chime in here. I can so relate. In my own experience of complete nervous collapse, I agree that it is very much a physical phenomena. There are certainly spiritual and metaphysical aspects, but the body is definitely needing something that has been depleted. We are all so individual, and all of us are depleted in random and non-uniform ways, so it may take you a good while to find what it is your body needs.

I found that I needed a great deal of patience and kindness in dealing with my body, and I needed to give my body the kind of time and attention and appreciation I had not given it in years. For me, this is where the learning is most significant. I believe that we, as bodies, are living animals of the earth, and the more we are separate from the earth (in our heads and in our theories and in our technologies and in our cars, etc.) the farther away we are from the force of the earth that vitalizes our very existence. So, to reacquaint myself with my body and her needs and wishes is to reacquaint myself with the earth. To become of the earth again, in a very mysterious yet very solid way.

[Dennis Leahy]

Anyone else going through something similar, hope you are taking some of the suggestions here and getting some relief.

Yesterday my nervous system shifted strongly toward my "normal", or in other words, I felt a LOT better. Today was even a bit better than yesterday. Just yesterday I added Lion's Mane mushroom, chaga tea, and CoQ10, but really, I was already feeling a lot better before any of those.

My intuition is that I needed more deep sleep in order to allow my endocrine and endocannabinoid systems to produce the bath of neuro-nutrients (neurotransmitters and their precursors) that I need to to have my neurological system feel more "normal." I think that walking barefoot down a trail on dirt, gravel, and rocks was like an extremely intense foot massage (after 6 winter months of never being barefoot), which may have triggered endocrine or endocannabinoid response as well. I'd say I am still working on the fatigue and focus issues, but the "strangeness" - such as feeling like I was inside a body, piloting - seems to have all gone.

[Joe Sustaire]

Good to hear Dennis!

But fess up......... it was the pork and margaritas that got you back on track, right? :sun:

[gripreaper]

Good to hear Dennis!

But fess up......... it was the pork and margaritas that got you back on track, right? :sun:

Nope, it was probably some really good rock and roll, and his guitar. New from Joe Bonamassa.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euMNVyuqmwo

[Dennis Leahy]

(Joe Sustaire is a friend I've had the pleasure of knowing for years and I have 'broken bread' with him many times. He knows I've been vegan/vegetarian for decades - thus the inside joke of "bacon the wonder cure-all" is revealed.)

Yeah, music has been a part of my turn-around. Grip is right. Today, I feel better than I have for several months!

[sheme]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFEU6byQYkg Here you go dennis good vibrations for you.

[AutumnW]

Dennis,

Chronic lack of proper sleep, from sleep apnea, for example can cause frayed nerves. Oh woops. Just read back a few posts. Turns out this might have been a part of the problem.

[AutumnW]

***

Don’t wait for ‘it’ to build up. Preventive maintenance.

***


Surprisingly simple techniques go a long way. Retrain yourself to breathe slow, deep inhale-exhales. And as silly as this sounds, smile. Not the Jim Carrey kind. A gentle, natural smile.

For myself, what worked six months ago no longer does. Knowing that freed me up. It’s about quality not quantity to whatever I do. I pay attention to what my body(ies) say. Nap? Take it. Sit without distraction for five minutes. Do it. Movie rather than study? Do it.

And body movement with focused intent is a double benefit. Remember the walk from Carlos Castaneda's Don Juan's Teachings in “Journey to Ixtlan”?




“You have to curl your fingers gently as you walk in order to keep your attention on the trail and the surroundings. Your ordinary way of walking is debilitating and you should never carry anything in your hands. If things have to be carried one should use a knapsack or any sort of carrying net or shoulder bag. By forcing the hands into a specific position one is capable of greater stamina and greater awareness.”



http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/WhiteCrowBlackDeer/smile_zpsgjcclbml.jpg
♡

Running Deer, the Jim Carey smile might work if it frightens people who are stressing you away!