Triggers

Sometimes flare-ups of symptoms strike without warning.  (Note I say flare-ups because most of us are never symptom free, but there are those days when they flare up badly enough that it is difficult to function.) We can not always predict them; however, some of the time we can.  The importance of knowing triggers is two-fold:  you feel like less of a victim if you know when it is coming, and  you can schedule in extra self care on those days.  Here are some common ones:

• weather changes, especially changes in barometric pressure/storms
• caffeine
• alcohol
• sugar
• salt
• beef
• dairy
• wheat
• corn
• eggs
• nuts
• florescent lights
• loud noises
• flickering lights
• too much exercise or not enough exercise
• dehydration
• stress
• not enough nutrients (magnesium, potassium, calcium, B vitamins, Vitamin D.
• not enough sleep
• some medication side effects

What brings you comfort that you can use when needed?  Here is a list of mine:

• comfy sheets and blankets and pillow
• hot chamomile or peppermint tea
• a hot bath
• the hydro-massage table at my gym (this is why we got the membership)
• listening to a relaxation app
• okay, I admit, Netflix and Hulu
• medications that are for the purpose of easing symptoms
• rest 
• spending time with my spouse
• a quiet environment
• noise reducing ear muffs
• using my cane for safety (currently on the search for a wheel chair so I have more independence on the days I want to attend an event and don't trust my symptoms to keep me upright.)

What have you discovered can be triggers to your symptoms or to flare-ups?  What brings you comfort?