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PaperclipPerfector  6mo ago (text post)   3333 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for October 27, 2024

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

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Does anyone have any tips for managing stimulant use? I currently use fairly copious amounts of caffeine and nicotine - both I find extremely difficult to go without for 24 hours. My tolerance to nicotine has built to the extent that I don't feel like I receive much cognitive boost from it anymore.

I've tried taking breaks cold turkey with the idea that I can start using both again in smaller amounts once my tolerance is reset, but never get further than a few days. I actually find both about equally difficult to stop or cut down on - if I had to give up one or the other forever it'd be hard to choose.

My ideal is not to stop using either completely, but rather to use lower doses of them, less regularly and more effectively - so preferably not every day, and for specific purposes. For example, nicotine to deliberately build a habit, or caffeine to boost motivation and performance for exercise. I realize there is no free lunch with stimulants but right now I feel like I'm using them in quantities far more than optimal.

EDIT: thanks all for the advice!

I don't over-use stimulants, but I do generally have a hard time getting my brain to work and get enough done. Some things that help me:

  • Quick morning cardio
  • Steady, solid sleep schedule (7 hrs ish per night)
  • 5-10 minute naps as necessary
  • Keto
  • Caloric restrictions

Dieting in particular is very helpful, when I'm hungry I'm sharp.

Echoing all of these except the keto because i don't really do the keto thing but i do find the rest to be helpful.

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