(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best alternative medicine products

My favorite one of the 4 I've tried over the years, by far, has been the Day-light Sky light. Pricey, but I like how it can tilt over my head while I'm at my desk at work, it definitely tricks my brain into waking up. I usually flip it on the super bright setting for 30 minutes to an hour, then turn it off for a bit, then I'll use it for the next several hours on the slightly lower setting. Hot tea, good music, and that light makes winter afternoons nice.

My second favorite has been the Verilux HappyLight Liberty 10k, I bought this one at Bartell Drugs. I tried another variant or two of the Verliux, and I liked this one the best of those. For me, having the light shine from above eye level seems to work better for me, so I usually set mine up on a small shelf, though it works fine just sitting on the desk too. I sort of have the same regiment with this one, I'll use it on the super bright setting for a little while, maybe 30 minutes or so, then switch it down to the lower setting for the rest of the evening (though I try to turn it off a couple of hours before bed).

I tried the blue light, but I found that I preferred the more normal feeling lights. Honestly, I don't think its the spectrum that seems to make the biggest difference for me, its just having a really bright light to trick my head into going into awake mode.

In addition to the bright lights, forcing myself to get up and walk around the block can help fight the dreary feelings for me, or if its super nasty out walking around somewhere airy and busy, like Pacific Place (or similar indoor place), helps me feel more awake. Also, try to do some social things regularly if possible, even if you aren't feeling super social. I've found its easy for me to accidentally forego hanging out with people for a couple of weeks if its messy out, then realize I'm feeling more cabin fever than usual. Movies in the theatre can be fun in the winter too, as you are sort of transported by the big screen to some far off place while being warm and dry.

Those are my coping mechanisms. I love winters here in almost every way, the clean, crisp air, even the cool, damp, darkness is calming for me. Its just convincing my brain to feel awake that can be tough for me. If it really gets to me, I try to take a week or two and go somewhere sunny in February or so if possible (though I realize this isn't an easy option for everyone).

Hey everyone,

I suffer from Seborrheic dermatitis, so the only products I am using are from this helpful list. I am currently using the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel mixed with The Ordinary's Squalane and the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser and for the first time I feel like I am having actual success.


So I wanted to make the next step and introduce sunscreen. I ordered the CōTZ FACE Natural Tinted
SPF 40, but unfortunately it breaks me out.


I definitely wanted a mattifying sunscreen, since regardless of which product I am using, I always get noticeably oily/greasy 1-2 hours after applying products. So to try other sunscreens from that list, I ordered the Biore Uv Perfect Face Milk Spf50 + / Pa ++++ and the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk (SPF50 PA ++++). It is going to take some time until they arrive, but I thought I could already ask some questions:


According to Fiftyshadesofsnail the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk dries down to a clear satin finish that can go more matte or more dewy depending on your skin condition and what skincare you have underneath. Considering my situation, it might end up too dewy for me. My inital idea was to simply apply it over my Benton Aloe Propolis Gel + Squalane mix and in case that this will end up too dewy, I wanted to test using this over the Benton Gel without the squalane. However if this still ends up being too dewy, would it be okay to use the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk without any actual moisturizer under it, or would I be missing out on some important skin benefits?


My next question would be if the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser will be enough to remove the Biore and the Skin Aqua sunscreens. I have read somewhere that I might need an oil cleanser for this. I currently have this Mystic Moments White Mineral Oil Carrier Oil 100% Pure, but I didn't like how it doesn't really get off when using water. I have read that if you mix it with 10-15% cromollient SCE it'll be better, but I live in Europe, Germany and I don't know where I can get that here.


Thank you for any kind of help!

I've found it helpful with sleep. I typically use lavender at night and it really calms me. Using it during the day has been somewhat helpful but I've noticed if I'm around the scent too long or it's too strong I'll get a headache. I'm sure everyone is slightly different, but I will say it's definitely helped. I got into a routine of using it at nighttime about an hour before bed. I would turn it on while getting ready for bed then spend about an hour awake with it just relaxing. I tried to get into a routine with it so my body and mind would understand it's time to relax and settle down. Honestly that in itself has done wonders for me. I don't use it as often during the day as I do at night. I have close friends who have diffuser bracelets and necklaces and they've said good things about those.

This is the oil and diffuser I purchased off Amazon. I wasn't looking to spend a lot since it was my first time using either but I'm really happy with both products! Eden's Garden has tons more than just lavender if you'd prefer something else!

Lavender Eden's Garden

Essential Oil Diffuser

Edit: Added more info about how I use it at night.

Hi! My favorite oils I use daily are Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint. I think those are the best ones because of their versatility. Lavender is an antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and so much more and it smells amazing. It literally has 100 uses, if not more. Eucalyptus is an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antibacterial too! I love to drop some in the shower and breathe it in with steam, same with peppermint oil too! Peppermint oil is antimicrobial, and its amazing to use with a carrier oil like oilve oil, and rub sore muscles with it. You can also out it on your feet to help relieve symptoms of a cold, and lower a fever naturally!
As for a diffuser, I don't actually have one, but the one I really want to get is
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PMNE73Q/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_fD09ub14RE6DD

Or

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLO7M00/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_qE09ub0PQ682K

I have heard really great things about those two, and I love NOW oils, they are decently priced and they have such a great line :) so if you are thinking of getting into essential oils I reccomend NOW and their diffusers :)

Favorite thing I did in 2014....


I opened my own cleaning company!!! Super excited about it cause I never went to school for business so I did everything on my own and I'm pretty proud of the fact that I already have 3 accounts under my belt in less than 3 months!l


If I win, I'd like this peppermint essential oil (you can get it as a non add on item under new and used for $6.72). I like to put a few drops on a kleenex and vacuum them up to make the air smell cleaner, my customers love it!


Thanks so much for the contest, have a wonderful day!

Everyone likes to do different things with it, and they all do a decent job softening and wearing the rope.

My preferred method is to oil up my hands with tsubaki oil and run the rope through my hands multiple times. You don't need a ton of oil, just a little, enough to keep your hands just feeling oily. This is a good brand [Tsubaki Oil](http://www.Kurobara.com/ 100% Tsubaki Oil https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00362HBPQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5xmKAb9MYY23A). If your rope is still quite scratchy after an hour of running each hank through your hands, you can coil it and bake it at 225° Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Then repeat the hand oiling process, running the rope through your hands.

If you don't want to go that route, you can use a flame to burn the extra fuzz off. It's easy to char your rope, and definitely don't do this if you ever plan on using it for suspensions, as you can easily weaken the rope in spots without it being obvious. Don't use a candle, use a butane lighter of some kind at a distance, steadily moving the rope through it to burn off the rough fuzziness. You may get some char on the rope surface, it should easily brush off.

I know some people also like to wash their rope. I don't think that does a great job working the rope for until use, and I often don't love the feel of my rope after washing, so I usually retreat with oil after it dries. Note that you need to dry natural twisted rope under tension or it will curl and try to untwist.

I hope your experiences with your new rope go well! Have fun!

No idea if this is safe for you, but it works for me. Only side effects are if I take too much Ash it can cause itching. I've also gotten a bottle of it before (different brand) that made me itchy as fuck.

If anyone out there has suggestions or improvements, happy to take them!

Total cost ~ $150/m

Morning, 8:30am

• 1200mg Ashwagandha
  
• 1 TBSP Pine Pollen Tincure (under tounge)
  
• 600mg Ibuprofen
  
• 2 capsules Testworx (B6, B12, Zinch, Niacin) + (Tribulus Terrestris, L-Argentine HCL, Maca Root, Stinging Needle, LJ100)
  
• 2 capsules Irwin Naturals Libido + Test booster (Ashwagandha based)
  
• 3 capsules Psyllium Fiber (to help with 200g+ daily of protein intake)
  
  Evening, 8:30pm
  
  
• 600mg Ashwagandha
  
• 1 TBSP Pine Pollen
  
• 400mg Ibuprofen (as needed)
  
• 1 capsule Irwin Naturals
  
• 2 capsules Psyllium Fiber
  
• 1 tsp Creatine Mono-Hydrate (if not lifting that day)
  
• 5mg Cialis daily (for enhanced fun – not for need - got an online doc)
  
  ​
  
  Edit: I forgot the best side effect of this stack: my cum is fucking massive. Every single fucking day. Easily 4x what it was before. Sometimes if I go a 3 days without cumming you need to grab a towel, not a rag. Fuck the old dribbly small amounts that clumped together before, I can shoot this shit everywhere and it has great viscosity for full facials.

Tsubaki oil is great as a leave-on. It's not crazy expensive but I still don't cleanse with it (unless I'm out of other stuff!) because I feel like it's more precious than mineral oil.

In Japan, tsubaki oil is used as knife cleaner (much the way mineral oil is used as a wooden board cleaner) so it's available very cheaply in that "format" and it's food-safe. Here's the one I buy on Amazon Prime. I'm sure you could find a better per oz price somewhere from a bulk supplier but I simply don't make enough stuff to need more than 8 oz of the tsubaki at a time. Since I don't use it for cleansing, I don't go through it very quickly!

/u/intoxikate is awesome like... really awesome.

The best thing I can think to tell you is that PUMPKIN CIDER is in the Bevmo near my house right now!!!! I'm seriously excited about this.

I like using these from my misc wish list for making my house and toilet smell good. Did you know lemongrass smells very similar to Fruit Loops?

Our current stack looks like this and is still a work in progress. Please comment as to what might be better options, thanks!.

Updated 8/30:

Protein Smoothie - Garden of Life, 1x/day in am
https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Organic-Vitamins-Probiotics/dp/B007SYT7LO/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1503340441&sr=1-4&keywords=garden%2Bof%2Blife%2Bprotein%2Bpowder&th=1#customerReviews

Green Drink - Garden of Life, 1x/day in am w/ prot smoothie
https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Vegan-Superfood-Powder/dp/B00FB1S988/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1503340620&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=garden+of+life+green+superfood+powder&psc=1

Multi - Centrum Silver then changing to Pure Encapsulations, 1xday in am w/ breakfast
https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Encapsulations-Multivitamin-Essentials-Hypoallergenic/dp/B00CBYG1L0/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1503339918&sr=8-4&keywords=pure+encapsulations+multivitamin

Lecithin (phos choline) - Moms Organic Market sunflower<br /> no link<br /> <br /> Fish Oil - Nordic Naturals, 2x/day in am/pm<br /> https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Naturals-ProOmega-2000-Lemon/dp/B017UTEA4K/ref=sr_1_30_s_it?s=hpc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1503340380&amp;amp;sr=1-30&amp;amp;keywords=nordic+naturals+fish+oil<br /> <br /> B12 - Jarrow Forumla Methyl, 1x/day in am<br /> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VE9B9II/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;amp;th=1<br /> <br /> Ginko - Moms Organic Market, 2x/day in am/pm
no link

L-theanine/Gaba - Allergy Research Group, 2x/day in am/pm
https://www.amazon.com/Allergy-Research-Group-Vegetarian-Capsules/dp/B000GU4TXI/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1503340983&sr=1-5&keywords=allergy+research+group

Melatonin - Moms Organic Market, 1x/day in pm<br /> no link<br /> <br /> Digestive Support - Trifal Ayush Herbs, 1x/day in pm<br /> https://www.amazon.com/Ayush-Herbs-Herbal-Supplement-Trifal/dp/B0012ZY6VG/ref=sr_1_11_s_it?s=hpc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1503341173&amp;amp;sr=1-11&amp;amp;keywords=ayush+herbs<br /> <br /> Magnesium - Mega Mag Moms Market, 1x/day in pm
no link

Aloe Vera - Solaray, 1x/day in pm - plan to discontinue when done
https://www.amazon.com/Solaray-Aloe-Vera-Gel-capsules/dp/B00014FGHW/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1503341317&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=solaray+aloe+vera&psc=1

Vitamin C - Viva Naturals, 2x day in am/pm
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C6C3GCY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

DHEA - Zhou, 1x day in am
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UXLUFJ2/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Phos Serine - Doctors Best, 2x day in am/pm<br /> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036FWOJQ/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;th=1<br /> <br /> Alcarn - Natures Trove, 2x day in am/pm
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NCOTSWG/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

CoQ10- Garden of Life Raw, 1x day in am
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JAT54S/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

B Complex - Garden of Life Raw, 2xday in am/pm
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098U0SQO/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Current on order:

Turmeric/Curcumin - Key Nutrition
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWA6WO8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1ILK2NFE4Q1Q1&th=1

PQQ - Health Through Nutrition
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SA2JLBY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AP6P3N856MFIS&th=1

Resveratrol - BRI Nutrition
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LPW9X32/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A196A8GC0YNHR&psc=1

Alpha GPC - VitaMonk
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K13ACDA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A3PSSFJH9JG29L&psc=1

Alpha-Lipoic Acid - Doctor`s Best
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004O672ES/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

Bacopa Monnieri - Pure Mountain Botanicals
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S02A1UO/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ashwagandha - Nutra Herbs
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GZALWGO/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Bacopa will be replacing Ginko and Alpha GPC will replace the lecithin. Any other suggestions are welcome, the stack in its current form is a bit unmanageable however it helps to empty the capsules into the protein smoothie in the morning and into a blueberry keifr milk smoothie in the afternoon or early evening.

Oh god I have TERRIBLE cramps. I so could use one of these.

The smell of Lavender is really relaxing to me. I love it.

I'd love the polka dot or zebra striped (if you have it) one :)

I didn't know you could use flax for this purpose. When I had horses, we added it to their feed to make their coats extra shiny.

Thanks for the contest :)

I really should get to sleep too :p

I could really use one of these essential oils for my homemade cleaning products and hair rinses. I'm on a pretty tight budget for the nest few months so a little luxury like a pretty smell makes a big difference.

Happy gifting and it's good to have you here :)

In addition to the regular resources available on campus here's a life hack for the winter:

Get a light therapy lamp/sunlight alarm clock. Vitamin D takes a massive hit over our Canadian winters and a lack thereof is shown to have negative mental health effects. Waking up gradually to sunrise (even simulated) is also shown to be more comforting and beneficial than to abruptly wake up to a blaring alarm in the pitch black morning of winter.

Linked highest rated light therapy lamp and sunlight/sunset clock.

https://www.amazon.ca/TaoTronics-TT-CL011-Light-Therapy-10000/dp/B07H2C67XW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sunlight+lamp&qid=1571946077&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.ca/Sunrise-Simulation-Function-Atmosphere-Natural/dp/B07W56HS79/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=sunlight+lamp&qid=1571946077&sr=8-7

​

ALSO don't forget to get out and enjoy some of the awesome winter-related nature experiences we have in/around our city as well (Nature experiences even once a week shown to lead to decreases in anxiety/depressive symptoms)

​

Take care everyone. You are loved

Please do not use toothpaste! You don't want to end up like this.


There are better products for removing and/or preventing pimples:

Mario Badescu's acne products: Drying Cream, Drying Mask or Special Healing Powder. - I like their drying cream. It works very well but not fast enough.

Murad's Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel - I never purchased but my esthetician normally use this to treat my zits for my facials. It is very stingy but it does work very well.


La Roche-Posay Efflaclar Duo or Efflaclar K. - I prefer Duo than K. I had congested pores on my cheek/temple area. I applied really thin layer all over my face and next day, they all disappeared. I can't really use Duo everyday because it will dry my skin. This stuff is pretty harsh for my sensitive skin.

If you want something natural - Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick or tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is my holy grail. It is effective than drugstore products and cheaper! I use it 3x a week. Dilute it with cold pressed olive oil (two teaspoon olive oil and 3-5 drops tea tree oil) and apply on my face / neck. Massage it for 10 minutes and let it sit for a few minutes then wipe it off with warm towel rag.

1. Something that is grey. (Wish List)
   
2. Something reminiscent of rain. (Music)
   
3. Something food related that is unusual. (Candy/Snacks)
   
4. Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. Tell me who it's for and why. (Yes, pets count!) Breath mints for my doggies because they like to lick my face, which is gross when their breath stinks. (Pumpkin/Petey)
   
5. A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it! I read a free sample, and it is absolutely hilarious! (books)
   
6. An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related!
   
7. Something related to cats. I love cats! (keep this SFW, you know who you are...) (Pumpkin/Petey)
   
8. Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it.
   
9. A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why? It teaches that you must face the demons of your past in order to achieve inner peace. And it's hilarious. (Wish List)
   
10. Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain.
    
11. Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals.
    
12. One of those pesky Add-On items. (Wish List)
    
13. The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why? We currently have a similar set, but two of the springs have fallen out under my seat, and the back cushion covering is pulling apart. This would be to replace those. (Nice things I don't need right now)
    
14. Something bigger than a bread box. EDIT A bread box is typically similar in size to a microwave. I think this is bigger than a bread box... (Wish List)
    
15. Something smaller than a golf ball. (Wish List)
    
16. Something that smells wonderful.
    
17. A (SFW) toy. (Wish List)
    
18. Something that would be helpful for going back to school. (Wish List)
    
19. Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be. This combines two of my current obsessions - reading and My Little Pony. (Books)
    
20. Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand.
    
    Fear cuts deeper than swords.

I have very dry skin, and would say that most of the moisturisers I've tried - including some highly recommended - had the same problem of them not doing much except for the first couple of hours. Two things that appeared to have a more long term effect are Mineral Oil (baby oil is scented mineral oil, so if you can put up with the smell it's a cheap easy way of getting some) and products with Hyaluronic Acid, which helps your skin hold more moisture. For the latter, the Ordinary is a good way to get some on a budget, and a few of their other products have Hyaluronic acid added in too.

You should also wear sunscreen whenever you leave the house. I got this Altruist sunscreen after seeing it recommended in this subreddit, and it's great value, no white cast or pilling, and gets on well with my dry skin.

I have the Now Foods one and I love it and plan to get a second. I find them all to be overpriced for what they are. I wouldn't mind a non-plastic version too, but the water does not get hot so I doubt there's really a leeching issue. I thought the whole color changing thing was kind of tacky and silly, but now that I have it I kind of like setting it on purple. You can also turn the light off completely which isn't obvious from the description. I don't think a timer is really necessary since they all shut off automatically. I just wish mine held more water.

Also, in the photo it looks like it's purple but it's actually white on top - photo is simulating what it looks like with the purple led on.

I have 3 of this humidifier in my house. The kids use the light as a night light and I like it for the ambiance occasionally. I also bought this set of essential oils to go with it; just a few drops at every use and it humidifies and smells nice. I use the lavender and orange the most and have reordered larger bottles of that. Eucalyptus is great for when we're sick. I think I'm going to get a much bigger one that will last all night. This one is only good for a couple of hours.


For shoes, I just have a LOT. At least 50 pairs of my own. IKEA has some very inexpensive options that look like furniture. I use a similar one to this in the family area for the most commonly used. I use under-bed storage for boots and seasonal shoes. I use [these closet hangers] for most of my heels. And yes, that's still not enough.

This is how I prep my Kuroki stones:


Clamshell:
Pour the stones into a large plastic bowl, add a mild dishwashing detergent and hot water. Stir the stones with your fingers thoroughly for a minute or so, then rinse until the water is clear. Drain, and spread the stones out on a towel to dry.


Slate:
Again, wash as above, but stir more vigorously, gripping slightly to rub the stones against each other. Rinse and dry as above. Once dry, transfer in batches of ~30 to a 1 quart ziplock bag, add several drops of oil (my personal preference is for Camelia oil https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TPFVHC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ), and work the stones around until coated. Wipe the excess oil off with a cotton cloth, then spread out on paper towels let dry overnight. Check the stones in the morning - they should be an even matte black and not at all oily to the touch.


Cheers, and congrats on the new stones.

I was thinking of getting this, because I've been wanting to try some home type remedies. Been on and off sick with migraines. Wonder if it would help.
edit; also, you're awesome, hope you have a good day. :)

Yes you should still keep the blade oiled. The patina helps prevent corrosion but it is not perfect and you can still stain the blade by leaving it dirty. You can use the blade for food prep, just make sure and keep a food safe oil on it. I suggest camellia oil.

If you are going to be doing any large quantity of food prep with it, I suggest leaving it alone and letting the patina develop naturally. The best patina's I've gotten on knives are from natural use. That being said, I work as a prep cook, so my volume of use is a bit more than the regular user.

Yes - it's a simple chewable tablet or banana flavored liquid sold at most drug stores. It's one dose. Look for Pin-X or Reece's. It's 1000% nothing to be embarrassed by and there is no reason to go through trying to determine (some people put Scotch tape on the kid's butt) whether or not a kid's itchiness is caused by it. People should pretty much assume that their young kid either has it or is gonna get it because kids simply do not wash their hands well and are touching everything. I took it myself when I was working in the schools about every 6 months to be sure. HIGHLY recommend for parents too.
-Ex-Preschool and Elementary School Teacher

I think I may get this tripod, so I can do more video stuff with my phone. Wholesome video stuff. Comedy stuff. dig the whole deeper, Rosa.


But I'm also eyeing this paired with this so I can start focusing relaxing at home, and maybe it'll convince me to clean my room. MAYBE.

The essential oils sold with diffusers are often diluted - These oils are only meant to make a home smell nice.

I purchased my original essential oils at a health and wellness store (the type that sells whey powder and meal replacement mixes), though you can often find them online for lower prices. I know the brand I use isn't the "best," but for adding a little scent to my hair soap and ACV rinse it works great!

There are the two I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Rosemary-Oil-1-Ounce/dp/B000MGOYZE

http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Lavender-Oil-1-Ounce/dp/B0009RSP38/

I use about 10 drops per cup of water.

This is gonna sound really weird but buy some glycerin and before you set your foundation/concealer with powder dip your sponge in it and dab it around your face like you would with a face powder and then set it. Glycerin helps lock in makeup like nobodies business! I use this one

https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Vegetable-Glycerine-4-Ounce/dp/B0015C0RIC/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1526022002&sr=8-5&keywords=glycerin&dpID=31aj5X4yB4L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch&th=1

A natural light lamp might help, there are some good cheap ones and some amazing expensive ones. Where we live, vitamin D supplements are over the counter and during winter we take 4000iu per day. Our doctor recommended a higher intake during prolonged winter hours and back to a regular 1000iu per day once days start to become longer.

Exercise was also recommended. I Have never dealt with SAD but some colleagues have and I got that info from our doctor before moving North. It might not be the solution, but it all helps with the symptoms.

Yeah dude, get some of that D in you and a happy lamp. My doc said (don't cheap out on that shit).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WTCHLC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought that guy. I need to stick i on a timer. From some reason I don't even want to turn it on in the morning. I always forget, when I was using it it did help though! Hopefully it can go in the closet soon.

Get this: http://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Screen-580A-Conditioner-Single/dp/B000LQI2S0/ref=pd_sim_hpc_7

Rejoice in peaceful sleep. Seriously, these machines are far better than ceiling fans, and they don't make you cold. I love mine.

Something like this?

It's an essential oils carrying case. holds 64 5-15ml bottles.
That would be perfect for holding wizlabs flavor bottles as well as 5-15ml juice bottles. A little modification would probably allow you to sacrifice a few smaller bottle slots to make room for a few larger 30+ bottles.

I've used a Marpac Sleepmate for many years. It fits neatly on the nightstand and does a wonderful job of producing pleasant white noise.

How much glycerine are you supposed to use? I've been thinking about getting some for my upcoming meet but can't figure out how much to take. Also, it's just the vegetable glycerine right? I don't see anything about ingesting it.

Edit: Also, congrats on the meet and qualifying for RUM. That's huge!

Wow guys thanks so much for all your replies!
So this would be okay to use? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B006Y6ZA5E/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518632172&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mineral+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=310rAVvVM2L&ref=plSrch

Its both. This is the one I have at home.

You can get cheaper ones on Amazon like this one.

As for essential oils, I find that lemongrass, eucalyptus and tea tree oils emulate a Thai massage parlor the best. These are the ones that I use. You only to add 2-5 drops each time so a small bottle can last you a really long time.

I really love stand alone white noise generators. I used to live in the middle of the bar district in downtown Austin, and picked this up. Also available as a cheaper single speed here - the single speed is the higher speed on the dual according to reviews.

It's some of the best money I've ever spent on sleep.

I made my own menthol additive, so I can freeze my face off with any soap or post-shave.

For example, I added a single drop to my brush today after loading Mickey Lee's Ruby's Green, and then lathered directly on my face. It was the perfect cooling sensation.

Then I added two drops into my palm before splashing Stirling's Coniferous Witch Hazel/Aloe on my face. Intense! (but awesome)

This is what I used:

• Menthol Crystals (I got 1oz, which I think will last me a long time even if I used the additive every day).
  
• Vegetable Glycerin
  
• Optional: Coconut Oil (see below).
  
  I put some menthol crystals in a ziploc bag and crushed it with a rolling pin until it was a fine dust. I then put it in a small bottle (I used an empty travel-sized hand sanitizer bottle) and added a small amount of coconut oil to dissolve it, but I consider this optional because the menthol resolidified once the glycerin was added (since requires a certain concentration of oil to stay dissolved).
  
  I don't care to use chemicals like Polysorbate 20 to keep the menthol dissolved, so I just shake the bottle before I use it and it works very well. I don't know if the coconut oil adds anything, so I'll probably skip it next time I make a batch.

I have a verilux that helps make a dent, especially when combined with vitamin D (I'm doing about 2000 IU and it's definitely helping more than the 1000 was last year).

This is the model I have: http://www.verilux.com/light-therapy-lamps/happylight-6000/ and it looks like they also sell via amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/Verilux-HappyLight-5000-Energy-Lamp/dp/B002Q2H2JC/ref=sr_1_5?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1417366658&sr=1-5

My parents bought it for me but I'm fairly certain they shopped either online or via catalogue, didn't pick up live and in person at a store

I have one of these ultrasonic water misters vs the more expensive, but apparently more effective nebulizers that mists pure oil.

I’m still messing around with the right scents and amounts, but have tried a variety of essential oils to varying effects. A word of caution, as explained in the linked article, regarding kids, pets, and asthma. I personally experienced an incident where my dog had a severe asthmatic reaction to citrus oils I was diffusing. Needless to say, that halted my diffuser experimentation for some time.

I actually wonder whether using wearable fragrances (and their higher amounts of synthetics and IFRA regulations) would be safer then all-natural essential oils. For example, my boys had horrible eczema when we used to bathe them with an all-natural/organic/free-range/kosher/virgin/blah-blah lavender soap. Turns out, they were extremely sensitive to lavender essential oils. Our dermatologist explained that an all-natural oil contains thousands of potential allergens, whereas a synthetic lavender is usually only composed of a few molecules, thus lowering your chances of sensitivity. This, combined with the ongoing IFRA regulation on ingredients (which I don’t think essential oils are subject to?), makes me think it the safer path.

Can anyone say definitely (with science!) that using wearable fragrances with diffusers is better or worse than essential oils?

If you have a favorite soap/cream and wish it were mentholated, why not add menthol to it.

Some artisans will add a little, or a lot, to their products for a minor increase in cost to you.

Or you could do what I did --- I got a 4 oz bag and since it takes so little to mentalize anything (soap, aftershave, etc.) I added the leftover to my will. --- a round-about way of saying get the smallest amount you can.

I have been taking Ashwagandha - they also have a black pepper extract. I got them from Amazon. I have also been taking a b12 supplement. I have been feeling better and better, closer and closer to normal.

https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Ashwagandha-Root-Powder-1200mg/dp/B01GZALWGO/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1522335020&sr=1-4&keywords=ashwagandha

If it's truly SAD related - a vitamin D supplement would help *some* - as would a Happy Light (that's it's actual name): https://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Energy-Lamp-5000/dp/B002Q2H2JC. Not a doctor but I've personally used both and it's not a cure-all or magic bullet, but it does help some.

You can definitely just show up to classes at Gold's (maybe not spinning, sometimes you have to reserve a bike). I used to go to Gold's when I lived outside NYC.

I have this lamp which was ~$25 cheaper when I purchased it a few weeks ago. I like the angle, and that it's not as unsightly as some other sunlamps because I tend to leave it on my kitchen table all week. There are definitely cheaper options out there though.

If any of y'all are into essential oils, this is a pretty good sale. Plus, if you need a diffuser you can get $5 off one (info is on the right side of the page). I just recently started using them. Helps with headaches, anxiety and just good smelling.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0163GBZK8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I typically do turn all lights off except for one on my night stand prior to bed, and read for 20 minutes to an hour. I've been looking at a few lamps on Amazon that are pretty cheap but have some good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W8Y7FY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2C67XW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07H2C67XW

Yeesh, that's cold!

Do you have a sun lamp? I have this one and find it pretty helpful, actually, for getting through the winter.

Try a Happy Light

We learned about them in psychology class. They simulate the sun and give you the energy boost you need in the winter. Winter can be hard on people here in the PNW because it gets to be pretty dark and never really lights up till Spring.

For juice, I use an aroma therapy case. The top row is useless, but you can fit 24 15/30ml bottles in 3 rows. Looks nice, zips up and you can carry them off. glamor shot

To expand a little;

buy a shampoo, buy something like this, mix the TTO into the shampoo. Most tea tree oil shampoos contain very little actual tea tree and you'll feel the difference really quickly (keep it out of your eyes), use it daily.
Medical shampoos (like the SB you're using) are formulated to address causes of dandruff, which is completely different from whats going on with your scalp, and are a waste of time.

Also, the coconut oil does wonders.


Putting pure TTO on the scalp is a bit tricky, the stuff doesn't spread very far on its own, it will come with a burning sensation, and if you've got thicker hair or are of the long haired persuasion it takes forever to work it into the scalp effectively.

I'd suggest cutting hats out of the wardrobe altogether and getting some sun on your scalp (it helps), or tossing them thru a lethally hot wash cycle to kill the fungus growing in them.
The reason it makes the problem worse is fungus thrives in warm dark and moist environments, which the hat provides quite nicely, also it gets those fungal cells back in contact with your "clean" scalp, which you definitely don't want.


EDIT: Don't use anything else consecutively with the shampoo/TTO mixture. Throwing a whole toolbox at a stubborn screw is less effective than a good screwdriver. Also your dealing with a fungus issue (yes, that's why it appears to like yeast and sugar in your diet), not a bacterial issue, or a dermal drying issue like dandruff.

Rugs and tapestries. Bright or light colored. Also get yourself a happy lamp. I have one and it keeps my mood up during dark and rainy days.

Example: http://www.amazon.com/Verilux-HappyLight-Energy-Lamp-5000/dp/B002Q2H2JC/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1464659020&sr=8-7&keywords=happy+lamp

I picked up this one from Amazon. Absolutely love it.

This is the nicest, cheapest and most hydrating moisturizer I've ever used. It lasts forever.... Also for oil control and and natural zit prevention, I mix 2/3 drops of Tea tree oil in the moisturizer and mix it up before applying it.

These are pretty cool, too, if you're into diy:

http://www.amazon.com/64-Bottle-Essential-Presentation-Portfolio-5-15ml/dp/B0007SMXQY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1370319244&sr=8-2&keywords=essential+oil+carrying+case

I've had good results from a combination of these:
Leviton LT113-10W 1000-Watt Advanced Digital Plug-In Timer, 6-Foot Tethered Remote, Grounded Plug, Receptacle, Auto Daylight Savings Adjustment, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040718V4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uNV4xbNQ675RW
Carex Health Brands Day-Light Sky 10,000 LUX Bright Light Therapy Lamp (DL2000) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WTCHLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KOV4xbHPQPHJN

I set the timer for the same time as my alarm and for twenty minutes. It has really helped.

Could it be a mild case of Seasonal Affective Disorder? It's very common. My wife uses this SAD lamp every day and it really helps to keep her mood and energy up throughout the winter.

I initially bought this sampler pack when I purchased the diffuser and I really like the lemongrass and orange and have since bought more of them. The tea tree and eucalyptus both smelled like cleaning products to me and I didn't use them much.

you can buy menthol crystals and dilute it with PG to make your own mixture that will last years for like 12$.

120ml of propylene glycol.

2oz of menthol crystals.

2oz is way, way too much so if you can buy less definitely do. crush up 1g of menthol crystals and add it to a spare, clean bottle. drop in 10ml of PG for a 10% dilution or 20ml for a 5% dilution. etc. After it's mixed heat the bottle slightly in a warm water bath and shake until the crystals dissolve. You can make this as strong as you want up to a point. Solubility in Propylene Glycol is up to 50% and solubility in alcohol (everclear) is greater than 100%.

after you've made this dilution add exactly one drop to a juice you'd like to have a menthol kick to it. This is why this mixture will last a very long time. if you have another clean bottle you might want to try a small amount mentholated before you destroy the whole thing with more than 2 drops. also, starting with 1 drop will help you learn how much menthol you need. you can't go backwards, there is no undo-ing a drop. you'll have more room to screw up if you make a 5% diliution instead of a 10% one.

I did this about half a year ago, 10% in a 30ml bottle and use it pretty regularly. i am not even halfway through the mixture. I only used 3g of the menthol and have around 20g left.

as an aside if you end up sick and your nose clogs up you can drop .5g of menthol crystals into boiling water and inhale deeply. You'll clear right up every time with the added bonus of turning the surrounding area into a mentholated biohazard zone/war crime.

Found some on Amazon. Reeses Pinworm Medicine Liquid For Entire Family, Full Prescription Strength, 2 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LF0J1M

Peppermint essential oil for your soaps

Horseshoe stud earrings for the thing you may like

A picture of my kitten with her tongue out!

Thank you for the contest!!

Amazon sells it as well :)!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LF0J1M/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1550113512&sr=8-3&keywords=pinworm+medicine&dpPl=1&dpID=51bKJshO5vL&ref=plSrch
Yes because most people who have pinworms do not know they have them. They’ll itch their anus and then touch something and bam, eggs spread. Just wash your hands, dont bite your nails, DO NOT itch your anus, and take the medication. There are no home remedies for these parasites as they are evolved to withstand stomach acid so anything else won’t cut it besides a targeted medication. It’s inexpensive just ask your parents to buy it under the premise you’re nervous you may have them again. You may also want to talk to them and see if everyone in your family unit will take the medication to eliminate the possibility of it spreading again :)

https://www.amazon.com/KUROBARA-Tsubaki-Japanese-Maintenance-Camellia/dp/B00362HBPQ

This has been a fantastic oil.

Oh my god don't spend $50 on a diffuser! You can seriously use any glass bottle with a narrow opening, 25 drops of any essential oil from Whole Foods or any health food store/stores that sell tarot cards and witchy shit (or online, like this on amazon), 1/4 cup of a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or safflower oil, and throw that in your glass bottle with some bamboo skewers. Then you have a reed diffuser and tons of refills, and you can mix essential oils for whatever scent you want.

this is what you're going to buy! :)

retail therapy

You don't need to go to the doctor for pinworms like when I was a kid half a century ago. Meds for it are over the counter - you can even order them from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Reeses-Pinworm-Medicine-Prescription-Strength/dp/B002LF0J1M/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=reese%27s+pyrantel&qid=1570498617&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Menthol-Crystals-100-Natural/dp/B003SA85F6/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1478734906&sr=8-2&keywords=menthol+crystals

Pretty cheap and will make you around 4-5 50ml bottles of concentrated menthol mix to add to your juices.

For ripped hands and scrapes I've found that the best product to expedite the healing process is Tea Tree Oil. You will see a noticeable improvement just a couple hours after applying it to the affected area and in a day or two the skin should be close to fully healed.

I haven't tried using prep h, but this stuff works and is definitely less embarrassing to buy.



Edit: Also, I can confirm that the feeling of applying new-skin to a recently torn hand is probably the most painful 3 minutes I have ever experienced.

Hopefully this works item most used app is facebook?

Exercise. Don't drink too much coffee. Don't drink too much alcohol. Buy a happy light. I bought this one. I don't care if it's the placebo effect. It works for me.

edit: Now included the link. Whoops.

Amazon and eBay are easy sources.

DO NOT use home fragrance oils, they're meant to be burned it's not good for your skin at all. Those could work for candles though. Not well, but they work.

try stuff like this http://www.amazon.com/Aromatherapy-100%25-Therapeutic-Eucalyptus-Lemongrass/dp/B005IHJ556/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406129982&sr=8-1&keywords=essential+oil

I have tinnitus as well. If you have trouble sleeping, your best option is one of these:

Marpac Sound Screen

It is a small round box with a switch that creates a fan-like noise that covers more of the sound spectrum than an actual fan. I linked to the 580A model above which has one speed, but I actually use the 980A which has two speeds, one makes a louder sound This is the one I use. You can also adjust the sound a bit by turning the top and sides of the machine.

I have bad enough tinnitus from being around live music/playing in bands for years that if I sit in a car that is not running I can hear it clearly. This machine makes it very easy to sleep. Otherwise I hate silence because all I can hear is a high pitched ringing noise.

I'm curious why you didn't link these oils, that have an average of 4.5 stars out of 7,873 reviews and instead linked ones that have 4.2 stars out of 12 reviews?

Just Breathe!

Aroma Therapy Kit Its highest priority on my wishlist. It fits this catagory because I use scents to calm myself down

Marpac sound machine.

Marpac Dohm-SS Single Speed All-Natural White Noise Sound Machine, Actual Fan Inside, Tan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQI2S0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4piBCbR0ZA0NA

Is this mineral oil okay for oil cleansing?

Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder 1200mg - 120 Veggie Capsules - Ashwaganda Supplement - Black Pepper Extract for Increased Absorption https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZALWGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9ILNDbTPFVXR8

I got mine on Amazon.

If you want get all Gucci on your knives, camellia oil is traditional.

Man I'd be leery of unknown garage sale residue and just replace it with a known residue...

http://www.amazon.com/Verilux-VT05FWW1-HappyLight-Energy-Lamp/dp/B002Q2H2JC

I got myself one of these a few years ago because of the low daylight hours in the winter. Essentially this helps with keeping things bright with how gloomy and dark winter can be.

retail therapy

here is what you're gonna get!

This is the one I use - https://www.amazon.com/KUROBARA-Tsubaki-Japanese-Maintenance-Camellia/dp/B00362HBPQ

For years, this

get a happy light

You can buy 100% glycerine and apply it to damp skin, and then follow up with a moisturizer.

I'm considering this Ashwagandha by the way if anyone has any input on it

https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Ashwagandha-Root-Powder-1200mg/dp/B01GZALWGO/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1492555394&sr=1-5&keywords=Ashwagandha

He is selling incense and aromatic oils. The sticks are sticks of incense.

[Example of incense] (http://www.amazon.com/100-Incense-Sticks-Frankincense-Fragrances/dp/B000OPHDR4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1419102150&sr=8-4&keywords=incense)
[Example of oils] (http://www.amazon.com/Aromatherapy-100%25-Therapeutic-Eucalyptus-Lemongrass/dp/B005IHJ556/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419102221&sr=8-1&keywords=aromatic+oils)

I take this . It's a capsule.

I use this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Day-Light-Bright-Light-Therapy/dp/B002WTCHLC

I notice a difference with one or two days.

Happy lamp.

Might not be enough depending on the island, but...

Health food stores, or online.

nothing greener than a Mint plant or peppermint essential oil

http://www.amazon.com/64-Bottle-Essential-Presentation-Portfolio-5-15ml/dp/B0007SMXQY

I got a sound conditioner (basically a white noise generator) for nighttime, since it's the hardest for me when I'm trying to fall asleep and everything else is silent. works wonders! http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LQI2S0?pc_redir=1397953164&robot_redir=1

https://www.amazon.com/Reeses-Pinworm-Medicine-2-oz/dp/B002LF0J1M

Jesus Christ.

Is solving problems not a thing anymore?

I didn't want to go with anything cheap because I wasn't sure they'd be effective at all. If you're willing to rethink your price, I bought this and I really like it. One symptom of the effect lack of light has on me is the way my eyes get tired -- it's not "being sleepy", it's my eyes not wanting to do anything and me feeling lethargic. The light helps a lot with that. I don't use it a ton because I'm not on any kind of consistent sleep cycle, but whenever I do use it, it's very helpful.

Can't help with anything of a lower price, though, unfortunately.

lavender oil is amazing stuff, super calming and peaceful and a few drops gets a pillow smelling like comfy sleeps, oh crap scrolled down enough to see you are allergic, but too lazy to delete, i need more coffee

Secondary idea, (radio shows)[http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Doc-Savage-RadioArchives-com/dp/1610815009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376398801&sr=8-1&keywords=doc+savage+audio] when i was a youngen I would always have trouble falling asleep so i would put on a radio show like doc savage or the shadow, the only problem would be the occasional night when i get woken up to a gun shot or a yell in the show but generally they are interesting enough to be fun but chill enough to fall asleep to

I find the Verilux HappyLight (http://amzn.com/B002Q2H2JC) to be a wonderful addition to my desk. Sure, it takes a while to adjust to having a small sun beaming in your peripheral, but when you identify yourself as the "outdoor type" and your desk doesn't face any desks, anything that will combat seasonal affective disorder can't be all bad.

I got this diffuser and these oils. No issues with either other than the oils smell too delicious. It's all good though, I'm passing them on to my mom who has trouble eating enough due to a recent surgery, so it kind of all worked out in the end!

No problem! My 'recipe' is 90% mineral oil + 10% Polysorbate 20 (can get from ebay) and 3 drops of tea tree oil. Put it in a pump bottle which water can't get into, otherwise you'd also need to add a preservative.

Edit I bought my Polysorbate 20 and Mineral oil from amazon. The tea tree oil is optional.

I use the app Flo in order to track my PMDD and take HTP-5 and ashwagandha root capsules during those two weeks. I feel like they help my cravings, anxiety, and depression. I have been prescribed Prozac for depression and anxiety since I was 13, and I make sure not to forget taking it (my dosage remains the same).

At night I have trouble falling asleep, so I take these magnesium supplements a few hours before bedtime. I also try to meditate for at least 5 minutes every night using the app Insight Timer. It helps me with impulse control and not overreacting to things. All of this took many years to figure out. I hope you find something that brings relief!

EDIT: I didn't know there were any possible reactions of HTP-5 and antidepressants, but apparently the main warning for supplements containing 5HTP is “do not consume if you’re taking antidepressant drugs.” It can lead to serotonin syndrome.

I'm going to stop taking HTP-5 for now and just take the ashwagandha root supplements, which don't seem to have negative interactions with antidepressants. Let me know if I'm wrong.

Write every day. And it doesn't get easier, it gets harder. My first chapters were easier than my last ones. They didn't take as long. When I went back and looked at them (months later), I thought they were shit, and reworked most of them.

Keep dictionary.com open in a tab the whole time you write--use the thesaurus all the time. Embrace the semicolon. Outline. I hate editing. I hate proofreading. I hate doing things a second time. I forget what I've said before, and what I've said after, and I run the risk of repeating myself. Get that shit right the first time (i realize this conflicts with what I said in my previous paragraph, but I'm comfortable with the contradiction).

Get a timer. 25min. Do work. 5 min break. Rinse, repeat. Do this from 7:00 in the morning until 8:00 at night (work through lunch, work through weekends), and you can cut a dissertation in 2 semesters. I was lucky that I didn't have to work a real job while I was doing it--but I hardly left the house. Get a comfy chair and a happy light. Change your fucking life man.

Go to a good school. Make sure you want to do it. Think about career stuff now. Grad school is boring. Learn how to research. If you can't get articles through your university, learn how to talk to librarians at other universities--I saved a lot of money that way.

And I don't care how much you write right now--it is nowhere near enough.

The wall will come. It comes for everyone. You have to actively fight against hitting it. Law school people, med school people (sorry guys, if you're here)--they like to think they got the market cornered on burnout because they're up studying in groups and shit for tests over inane minutiae (which is cool, we need those people). Now I know it's an apples/oranges game, but it's not like they're pushing out new content. It's the same old bag you've done since primary school--learn, remember, memorize, test (I'm aware of the grave generalizations that I'm making right now)---but what I've been doing, and what you will do too, is a solitary fight, man. Shit's lonely. If there's something wrong with my dissertation, no one can fix it but me. You alone have to answer the questions that you create--and when it's said and done, both have to be critically valid. Stressful shit. Then there's time. There's never enough. I read over 150 books last year, and god knows how many articles. I mean, the primary works bibliography (not secondary sources, mind you) is likely over 8,000 pages of text (comparative study)--the secondary source bib is 15 pages of citations.

tl;dr: just think about it, man. it's a hell of a lot of work.

Glutathione (liposomal Setria).

St. John's Wort.

Omega 3 fish oil.

Multivitamin (possibly augment with extra Vitamin D).

Possibly a light-therapy lamp if your symptoms get worse in the winter. That specific model was used by researchers and is proven to make a difference in bipolar depression/seasonal affective disorder symptoms.

A clean diet (heavy on vegetables). Almonds, almond milk, cheerios, salads, marinated chicken breast (you can do it 8+ different ways easy), frozen broccoli (ready in 5 minutes, way easier than fresh and retains more Vitamin C because it wasn't exposed to oxygen), sweet potatoes wrapped in a paper towel and microwaved for 8 minutes. Build up an anti-inflammatory diet for yourself.

Working out. And by that I mean literally one set of 25-50 flutter kicks per day. That's it. Once. Watch how good it makes you feel.

Talking to a therapist weekly if you can afford it; twice a week if possible (Monday and Thursday for example).

(Don't roll your eyes at this one) Getting into comedy movies/stand up specials/comedy series's. Comedy has a proven anti-depressant effect. I recommend Peep Show or Southpark, maybe Family Guy, American Dad, Futurama, etc... Peep Show is my favorite of all time. When I'm at my absolute saddest I watch Peep Show. Anecdotally, I had a friend on my second deployment to Iraq whose GF dumped him. This guy was in the shitter emotionally, I mean bad, he could barely even move and just laid in his bunk staring off into space (especially bad because he was an NCO and could not show weakness in front of lower ranking guys, no matter what, but he was). I didn't know what else to do so I gave him my pirated South Park collection of like the first 12 seasons, and told him to get it back to me whenever he wanted. He gave it back to me like 4 days later and said "Thanks dude..." And I was like "Yeah man, no problem." And he said "No, thanks! You just saved my fucking life." I know I know, "then everybody clapped" but I don't give a flying fuck if anybody believes me other than you because it's real and it happened. I thought hard about putting that anecdote in here because I know nobody will believe it but that's fine with me fuck those people, I'm doing my best to help you and that means being honest no matter who laughs at me.

Finding meaning in life through religion, or (as in my case) philosophy (I'm agnostic big picture), especially ethics (deworming a child of schistosomiasis for one month only costs .50 cents, and a long-lasting insecticide net to prevent malaria for a family of four only costs $2.12. I structure my life around donating).

Treatment resistant depression can be tough. Frankly, I recommend you see a new psychiatrist. Google "treatment resistant depression" and look at your options. Maybe try to find a specialist in TMS.

(I don't mean this in a condescending way, but) Adding more gratitude to your life (eg: okay, I'm ugly (probably not true, or not as bad as you think) and poor and dumb (probably not true, or not as bad as you think) and my dog just died, but at least I didn't die an excruciatingly painful death at age 9 in the Congo.)

Frankly, I don't see you curing your treatment resistant depression with any nootropic stack.

I have bipolar disorder and the depressive phases are so terrible that I'm literally haunted by horrible delusions of how my whole family hates me and I'm going to be arrested any second because I never paid that toll booth fine from 2 years ago and I should just kill myself to spare my family the shame and I'm wasting my entire life and potential and I'm a textbook failure etc... Hearing the voice of a woman crying (hallucination) and knowing it's because I'm a failure, seeing weird shit in my peripheral vision that isn't there and thinking I'm going crazy, but still having enough insight to know it's from the bipolar disorder and knowing I'll never get better and even if I do I will be senile at age 60 from the medication because I can already feel it happening, etc... So I know what you're going through.

Personally, I only use a multivitamin, glutathione, talk therapy, a clean diet, some exercise, my code of ethics (gives me meaning), my cat (prevents me from getting lonely), and my psychiatrist's medication/ideas. I still crash hard at least once a year for 3 months in the Fall/Winter time (I will be trying my new light therapy lamp soon) but in all honesty that ain't too bad for bipolar disorder. I have not used St. John's Wort but I know it helped a friend of mine. I no longer use fish oil because it's too expensive. TBH the glutathione is fucking incredible for me. Absolutely amazing. That and the multivitamin are absolutely essential. I literally feel like I'm dying without them (and not from a place of anxiety, but feeling drained and having no energy, drained from my core, from inside my cells). Anyway.

Best of luck fam.