If your symptoms are mild, you may not need to take medication for essential tremor. But if your symptoms are severe and getting in the way of your everyday life, your doctor may prescribe medication like beta blockers, anti-seizure medications, and tranquilizers. Speak to your doctor about any side effects of the medications and any issues the medication may cause with medication you are already taking. Another medication that is sometimes recommended for essential tremor is Botox injections. The injections can improve tremors for up to three months at a time, but it can cause weakness in your fingers if used on your hands. Your doctor may suggest that you do physical or occupational therapy to help with the tremors. Physical therapy can help improve your muscle strength and control. Your doctor can refer you to an occupational therapist. As part of the therapy sessions, you may use adaptive devices to make doing daily activities easier. Using heavier glasses and utensils, wrist weights, and wide, heavier writing tools can help make living with essential tremor more manageable. As part of your treatment plan, you may make lifestyle changes like using the hand less affected by the tremor more often. You may also reduce your level of stress and anxiety on a day-to-day basis, as this can make the tremors worse.  For example, you may take up a relaxing hobby that requires little physical activity, like reading, listening to music, or watching movies. You can also do deep breathing and meditation to help you relax, without putting too much stress on your body. Making dietary changes can make the tremors more manageable. Cut out caffeine and other stimulants as well as alcohol in your diet. Your doctor may recommend a specific diet that you can go on to reduce your tremors.  The diet may consist of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as prepared meals at home, rather than prepackaged meals. Your doctor may instruct you to avoid artificial sugar, additives, and dyes, as these can trigger your tremors. If you live with others, ask them to help you prepare these special meals, as you may struggle to prepare food on your own due to your tremors. Your doctor may recommend that you lean on family and friends for support as you deal with essential tremor. You may join a support group to help you cope with essential tremor and hire a caretaker, if needed, to make living with essential tremor easier. Depending on the severity of your essential tremor, your doctor may recommend that you have a live in caretaker or someone, such as a friend or family member, who checks in with you on a daily basis. This may be a good option if you struggle to do daily tasks on your own due to your essential tremor.

Summary: Take medication for essential tremor. Get physical therapy. Make lifestyle changes. Change your diet. Seek support from family and friends.


When you're hoping to make a new friend, it's important to seem approachable. Smiling at the other person, nodding at them in greeting, and keeping your body language relaxed all send the signal that you're open to a new friendship.  Giving off a positive vibe from the start will make other people more likely to want to get to know you and spend time around you. To keep your body language relaxed, your arms should be unfolded, your shoulders should be back but not stiff, and you might lean back slightly. Imagine opening up your body, rather than folding yourself inwards and being closed off. Make sure your body language isn't coming off as flirtatious if you only want to be friends. The hardest part of making a new friend might just be that first time you talk. When you spot a guy you think would be a good friend, look for opportunities to chat.  Start small. Try just saying, "Hey!" when you pass him in the hall or see him standing with a group of mutual acquaintances, or introduce yourself and offer a handshake. Once you feel comfortable, you can work up to longer conversations. Start with something that both of you are interested in and work your way up to sharing personal details. Once you do get into a conversation, don't just talk about yourself. The whole point is to try to get to know this guy better, so ask him about what he likes, and try to avoid questions that can just be answered, “Yes” or “No.”  Try asking him questions like, “Where do you like to hang out on the weekends?” Other topics you could ask him about include what kind of movies he likes, whether he has any pets (and follow-up questions about the pets if he has any), and what kind of games or sports he likes. Honesty is a valuable trait in any friendship. You want to show your new friend the real you because that's who he's going to be spending time with. If you try to pretend to be something you're not, he'll eventually find out and will probably question whether or not he wants to be friends with you.  For example, if your friend says he likes a certain band or a sport, don't feel obligated to pretend you like it too. Don't hide things about yourself because you're afraid your friend will judge you, either. Even if he's not into your collection of antique coins, he'll most likely appreciate that you have unique interests. Make your new guy pal feel included by inviting him to tag along when you're going somewhere. Whether it's just you and him or a whole group of your friends, reach out and let him know he's welcome to come along.  If you and your friends have a Saturday video game session, ask him if he wants to come by! If he mentions wanting to see a certain movie that you want to see too, invite him to go with you to see it. If you make plans, don't cancel them unless it's an emergency. Regularly flaking on your new friend will make him think you don't value his time or his feelings, and eventually, he might decide he doesn't want to spend as much time around you. Being dependable will also show him that you are trustworthy, which most guys really appreciate. If you see or hear something hilarious that makes you think of your guy friend, let him know! Sharing a laugh is a great way to build a friendship.   When you're not hanging out together, text him funny memes or an inside joke between the two of you. If the two of you are always joking that your dog looks like a cow, for instance, edit a picture of your dog so it looks he's in front of a barn and add a funny caption like, "He finally admitted he's been undercover this whole time!" If you see that your guy pal is having a rough day or he seems to be going through a hard time, let him know that you're there for him. Offer him a friendly ear to listen to his troubles, or try to think of something fun the two of you can do to take his mind off of things.  Try saying something like, "You seem kind of down today, wanna talk about it?" You could also say something along the lines of, "I know you're feeling nervous about finals next week. Let's go get some ice cream and make a study plan."
Summary: Smile and be approachable. Strike up a conversation. Ask him open-ended questions about himself and his interests. Be honest and true to yourself. Invite him to hang out with you. Follow through when you say you'll do something. Laugh together. Be a supportive friend.