My Daily Tic Toolkit for Succeeding with Tourette’s — August 31st, 2026

August is National Wellness Month and we are closing out the month with a look at all the various ways I personally take care of my health in order to manage my Tourette’s. 

A soothing morning routine

Before I start work for the day, I have a soothing morning routine that helps me avoid my triggers and stay centered. For many people with Tourette’s including me, caffeine and sugar frequently trigger tic storms, so I opt for something more soothing and go for a caffeine free coffee substitute called Pero with Oatly oatmilk in it. This gives me the comfort of a morning coffee ritual without the jolt of stimulants that cause me to tic. Whatever morning ritual helps people stay centered before work, school, or other daily obligations can be an opportunity to self-soothe and get tics under control for the day. I also take vitamins every day, which helps give my body the nutrients it needs to manage stress to in turn manage Tourette’s. 

A job where I can advocate for myself

I am really lucky to have a job that is accessible for me as a person with Tourette’s. I work a flexible schedule and can easily step away if I’m having a day where my tics are really out of control. I don’t tell everyone I have Tourette’s, but many of my coworkers do know and are understanding. TS is a stigmatized diagnosis, so it can be difficult to feel comfortable coming out with it, but I encourage everyone who can to help end the stigma by being out with people who are safe.

A healthy lunch

Fueling up with healthy food is a crucial part of a healthy day. I find if I don’t eat a good lunch with lots of protein and fiber, I am more likely to have trouble focusing in the afternoon, which also means having less brain power to manage my tics in the afternoon. Some fish or chicken with vegetables, a healthy smoothie with yogurt, or just a sandwich, really gives me enough energy to get through the day with my tics more or less under control. 

A fulfilling evening

I am very passionate about my work as an actress after and around my day job. Art can help many people with neurological disorders or psychiatric disabilities express themselves and what they are going through. For me, being on stage is pretty much the one avenue in which I don’t have to worry about my tics. I also really like getting to be a part of storytelling through theatre and transporting people to other eras or helping them develop empathy for an experience they never thought they would have empathy for. 

I also have a dog I love spending time with and playing with, in addition to my human family members. Pets can often help people with Tourette’s manage their tics, and there are even some service dogs that are specially trained to help intervene during tic storms. 

A good night’s sleep

I do my best to get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep is the surest bet that I am about to lose control of my ticcing for a while. For me, 9 hours of sleep is what I need to operate. Some people need less, but on the whole, Americans often do not get enough sleep. I suggest experimenting with what amount of sleep you need to manage your health — it may be more than you’d think!

That’s all for today! Be well!

Thank you for reading and for Facing Tourette’s with us!