Normally I can just about cope with working in small groups for short periods of time in a hot noisy building. I wouldn't choose to take part in these activities on a long term basis but for a one off I can just about cope. Having spent 4 hours there today I'm left with a massive headache and seriously wanting to just retreat into my own world.
Today I failed to take into account my current trauma (surgery, inability to walk properly, chemical toxicity, lack of quality sleep etc) all adding to my stress levels. Due to this I've had an even greater response to my normal aspergrer's triggers. So, all in all, I've simply just done too much today.
This may not seem like it has a lot to do with your particular needs, but always remember the stresses you encounter in your day add up and could be the trigger that sends you into a wave of depression, bad eating habits or anything else that causes you problems. Avoiding triggers isn't easy, but we can do our best to minimize total stress loads by;
- Breathing Well - Oxygen is important so an impaired breathing pattern is a huge stress on the body.
- Emotions - Stay positive
- Hydration - Becoming dehydrated is tough on the body
- Nutrition - Processed foods cause the body to have to work very hard. Regulate blood sugar levels.
- Exercise - Biggest thing here is not too much. Walk don't run. Train don't drain.
- Sleep - Go without it for a few days and you'll soon see how it can make other stress seem twice as bad.
These aren't miracle cures, however, work at little at them all and the world becomes an easier place to live in. I know that if I maintain these foundations, my asperger's symptoms are greatly reduced.