Throughout the last couple of months I've been researching vitamins and supplements that improve memory and then trying them out. What I found were a variety of pills that drastically lowered my stress levels, improved my energy levels, and one that actually improved my memory. These were things I wasn't intending and didn't know were possible, but now that I know they've drastically improved my life.

While this is all my personal antecedents with these vitamins and supplements I thought it would be worth sharing. There's so many options out there now a days that people might want to experiment more to find something to help them be the best them that they can be. (Also I'm not a doctor so don't sue me if these don't work for you, thanks.) 


Evening routine
NAC - This was the first one that I tried. The literature I read said that it would improve memory and brain function. The first time I took one right before bed and the next morning there was less stress in my shoulders than I've had in years. I've been taking it since then and it's absolutely been helping my stress levels. It's also improving the health of my neck and back, which is where I keep my stress. My massage therapist has said that I have one of the top 10 most messed up backs she's ever seen, so anything that can help that is good in my book.

GABA - This is a new one that I found out about quite recently. It's also an amino acid like the NAC. This one is supposed to be particularly good for sleeping, though I haven't had a problem taking it in the morning as well. Since I started to take it I have been having more dreams, though I have not been sleeping particularly less than my normal 8-9hours a day. I do feel more well rested in the morning. This has also helped reduce the tension in my middle back. While that sounds oddly specific for me it's stress reducing affects are noticeably different than NAC, and when combined they reduce my tension headaches considerably. 

Chelated Magnesium - The body's processes for using those amino acids involves the use of magnesium. Thus I wanted to make sure that my body had enough to get the results from both of those consistently every night. I had been noticing inconsistencies in their affects until I added this into the mix.


Morning routine 
CoQ10 - This is a nutrient that also should occur naturally in the body and the foods that we eat. When I started to take this I noticed a drastic improvement in my energy levels. It also keeps my energy consistent throughout the day meaning I don't need the afternoon cup of coffee. 

Vitamin D - Because living in NY during winter we are prone to having very low levels of vitamin D, which can lead to a multitude of health issues.

NAC again - Twice a day is the right amount to keep my stress levels low. 

GABA again - Twice a day is the right amount to keep my stress levels low. 

DHA -500 - This compound is the active part of fish oil. This is the only vitamin or supplement that I've noticed to actually improve my memory and recall. 


Didn't work
Alpha-Lipoic Acid - Not much to say, I took it for a week and didn't notice any differences. 

​PQQ - I also tried this one for a week and didn't notice any change.

Melatonin - I've tried this on and off many times throughout the years, particularly when I worked nights. Sometimes it's helped more than others, but considering the drastic changes I've seen from the vitamins and supplements recently I don't think that it's ever been enough of an improvement to bother with again. 

What do you take that helps you?

Sitting at a desk all day is a fact of life for a writer. We spend hours in front of a computer typing away with only our fingers moving and our minds working. But what about the rest of the body? Will the long hours of writing turn our bodies unfit?

It doesn’t have to. The key to staying healthy while writing is to stick to a fitness regime. I know some will groan about this, but if you set a plan and follow it, the end results will be a win-win. Staying fit, and no weight gain.

Since hours are spent stationary, try taking a short walk before starting to write. If you have a treadmill, even better. A 15 minute walk in the morning will keep the muscles tone and get the creative juices flowing. It’s been cold lately, and I’ve been struggling with this. I don’t have a treadmill and don’t want to drive to a gym. It’s too much trouble, and valuable writing time is wasted traveling back and forth to workout. So during the cold winter months, I’ve been exercising along with Leslie Sanson on YouTube. It’s a 20 minute walk-along I can do in my living room. But spring is here, and the weather is warming. I’m going to get my sneakers on, put my ear buds in, and enjoy a walk outside while listening to a book. It’s striking two things off my ‘to do’ list.

Another way to keep the pounds at bay, try having healthy snacks in the house. We all know that while writing, a cup of coffee or tea with a nibble is needed. Instead of a donut or cookie, have cut veggies and hummus. And if you need something sweet, there is fruit: grapes, oranges, and apples.
One thing I want to change is the way I sit at my desk. I was surfing Amazon and stumbled on fitness balls. What a great way to sit and still get some exercise. The ball forces you to sit up. There’s no chair back to lean on, and you’re constantly making small adjustments trying to keep your balance. This will help tone your core muscles. While balancing on the fitness ball, try rolling back and forth. The movement will give you a small workout, and improve your posture.

I’m not a health care provider, I’m a writer. So what works for one person, may not work for someone else. Before starting any exercise program, always consult your doctor. At my last annual physical, my GP told me to try to do more exercise to tone and lose a few pounds. Well, I’m trying. I haven’t been too successful lately, but I’m going to step it up with exercise and tweak my diet.
I like to thank Shannon for inviting me to guest post today. I have enjoyed my visit. And don’t forget to check up on me in a few months to see how I’m doing. I’ll be posting my progress on my blog, Healthy Living on the Cheap. I’m counting on you to keep me on my game.

Lizette Strait

Leslie Sanson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SSYX8sIOmM
Healthy Living on the Cheap Blog https://healthylivingonthecheap.wordpress.com/