Kava and work

[kl..]

I've always been an evening kava consumer.  I like to get a really intensely relaxed feeling, contemplate my navel and chat with friends, I've been wondering, though if it might help with high stress situations at work.  I think I still have some benzo's that I take in quarters for days like those, but since I started drinking kava, I've stopped taking them completely.  Do you think it would be appropriate/safe for work to take a small dose of kava prior to a work situation?  We've got some unpleasantness coming up next week and I'd rather use kava than benzos.  I don't want to completely let my self go or strongly desire a nap, though.  (In front of the state audit team, Katiedid smiles serenely and says "Gentlemen, I'm too tired to continue this conversation.  Don't you ever wonder what the meaning of life really is?  Don't you ever appreciate how connect we are to one another?)  I'm hoping moderation is the key, since I doubt auditors would prefer to discuss my philosophy of interconnectedness, and are probably much more interested in my record keeping and data collection procedures. 

 Any one use kava this way?  I feel no guilt at all in taking a benzo prior to a public speaking situation, but I feel oddly uncomfortable with the idea of taking kava at work.  Like I would be having a liquid lunch or something.  If it matters, the odds on me being tested for anything at all are zero, I just don't want to behave in a way that makes people want to test me.

 

[Ozzyfan121]

Being 16, I can't comment objectively on the efficacy of kava in pressing occupational circumstances. I do, however, use it frequently with decent results during school for a case of social anxiety that makes it well-nigh impossible to interact with my peers. Sorry I couldn't help much, but assuming your job is more mentally than physically oriented, you should be in the clear. Best of luck in getting through this coming period of time with as little stress as possible.

 

[kl.stevev]

I haven't tried them myself, but I'd imagine kava candy would be great for this kind of situation. Or an instant maby? For anxiety at work I drink a high dhm the night before. I wake up a bit early do some basic yoga. That gets me calm and in the zone. Good luck!

 

[The Kap'n]

Kava candy. I second that. Also paradise kava's extract would do as well. Yes it does help but don't over-do it as I'm sure you don't want the balance upsetting from a big dose.

 

[Ed!]

Also kavakauai.com's kava roots. Pretty easy to chew on a piece of root during work.

 

[Vekta]

It should be fine as long as you don't use a heavy handed kava or make a thick batch. I would never use my 2 tbsp in 10 oz of water ratio to make kava intended to be consumed before work or a lab/lecture at college. If I take it before work or a lecture/lab I'll use a more diluted brew.



2 tbsp to 16 oz. of water. YMMV though.

 

[kl..]

Thanks. Maybe I'll try a test run near the end of the day before the audit team comes. I liked the way benzo's helped me stay calm, but I don't want to renew my prescription. I've never taken them on a regular basis, but I've heard that coming off of them is absolutely horrible and I like how with kava, if you don't want it, you just stop. And nothing happens.

 

[Paradise Kava]

"Gentlemen, I'm too tired to continue this conversation.  Don't you ever wonder what the meaning of life really is?"
lol! LOL! (smiley: roll)

I instantly thought of Monty Python's 'Meaning of Life' here.

If numbers, math and critical thinking are involved, I suffer if I've dipped into a jar of extract. My brain is not willing to think past a micro second at that point and I'm rendered useless for the task.

However, If public speaking, dealing with personalities and egos are involved, Yoda comes forth in me and I'll zen that task like a Boss!

Totally Kapmcrunk - these extracts were designed for offices, flights etc. 

All the best!

 

[Steve]

I have gotten some great feedback regarding the kava candy for these types of situations and the pack looks harmless (ie. job interviews, social interaction) but rather than "sell" my product...really any kava format, whether a small extract jar (like Paradise said) or even dry root like a tooth pick will work.  Also just flat out powder extract on the gums will work great but maybe hard to hide.  "whats that you are putting on your gums?"

The only concern that I would have is doing benzo's with kava...I am not the "preachy" type...but just want everyone to be safe.  The combination can be unforgiving.

Here is a shot to see if it would fly at work:

 

[kl..]

I tried today having two of the candies at the end of the day and it was just about perfect. I felt more calm and relaxed, but my functioning wasn't at all impaired. No one noticed or commented on anything, and they wouldn't have been shy about it if they had felt I was acting differently.



The mixing of the two is a good warning to put out there. The variety I have has an extremely short half life, so as along as I respected that it wouldn't be an issue, but some have significantly longer half lives. I'm pretty confident at this point that it won't be an issue, though, since basically a low dose of kava worked very well for me.

 

[Steve]

Katiedid - wonderful news!  Really glad it seemed to work out for you well.  I think 1-2 pieces of candy puts you in the right place...nothing crazy but just eases that tension and keeps it from building.  I actually love it for traffic jams, turn up the music and just cruise...i feel totally fine and not inhibited from function but just in a much better place.

 

[Paradise Kava]

Love it when the right kava product meets the right pair of hands for the right purpose! Excellent~

 

[kavalover]

Yeah, the candies are awesome for work. As is the extracts from paradise kava. I'm happy to hear that they worked for you.



I work concrete though, the whole shebang. I show up before the sun rises and set the foundations, call the truck, lay the pad, screete and wait dry, and go home. It's really taxing on the body, and strong kavas don't work in my particular field. They just make it worse because I end up just wanting to lay down and watch the sun rise. lol.



As for school, any kava works for me. I've chugged shells before class and got totally enthralled in topics like no other. I've made a few friends with how talkative I can become. It can be very useful and worthwhile too, as kava + coffee also tends to show a bit of a nootropic effect for me at the right doses.

 

[kl.CarolinaBC]

Nice, I did concrete for like 20 years but did structural concrete-footing, foundations and retaining walls.  I couldn't see drinking kava doing that.  We did-much to the bossmans dismay drink beers and burn some cheeb on the job.  That job will kick your arse here in NC in the dead of summer.  Nothing like being in direct sunlight with it 95 degrees with 90 percent humidity muling heavy objects around.

 

[Steve]

kavalover - kudos for working concrete and getting some kava in there...makes me tired just thinking about being in the hot sun.  I can see how the right amount of kava would work to make the day smooth.

 

[kl..]

@CarolinaBC Yikes, I can't imagine working in that kind of heat with beer or a strong kava!



@Kavalover I'm glad to hear that it worked well for you at school. I've never thought of combining coffee and kava.....What was that like? What kind of dose did you use of each?

 

[kavalover]

Ah if I can remember, it was like 4 tbsp kava to a cup of water (the lighter the better for me when around people) and a black coffee that I got on campus about an hour after drinking the kava. I haven't really experimented much here, I just remember the stimulating effect taking hold of the kava, with a much more gentler and easy approach as compared to just a straight cup of coffee with no kava. If that makes sense.

 

[kl..]

I love my morning coffee, but don't drink it after noon because it makes me a bit jittery, so I think I know what you mean. I just wanted to post a quick up-date. The audit was great, the evaluators came two hours early, so I never tried the candies with them there, but I felt comforted knowing they were available in a pinch. Sometimes, knowing you have a feasible back up plan contributes a lot to peace of mind. Thanks all for your advice and tips, I sure appreciate it.