(Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
aka when standing up feels like sumo wrestling your own bloodstream.
The Reality
You stand up, your heart rate spikes, the room tilts, and suddenly gravity’s not your friend.
It’s not hysteria or “just anxiety.” Your body is struggling to regulate blood flow, which screws with your balance & temperature – and it sucks.
We can’t fix it, but there are ways to help manage ut. Don’t get me wrong, PoTS isn’t fun, but it’s manageable with the right mix of care, pacing, and a little salty defiance.
What Actually Helps
💧 Hydrate
You need more fluids than the average mortal — a rehydration tablet in the morning helps a lot. If you’re out, mix a pinch of salt into orange juice or squash. Water alone won’t cut it when your blood volume’s low.
⚡ Electrolytes
Salt, potassium, and sugar work together to keep your blood pressure stable and your brain online.Try hydration sachets or DIY it with orange or lemon juice, honey, and a little salt.
Sugar crashes make everything worse — balance is key.
🥨 Salt snacks
You need around 6–12g of salt a day. Keep something salty in every bag — biltong, crisps, salted nuts, or even plain salt packets. We have some in our chronic bag for emergencies.
Yes, it’s a lot. No, it’s not “too much.”
Your body’s rules are different.
🧦 Compression gear
Socks, leggings, or stockings help your circulation. And let’s face it, your blood vessels need all the help they can get.
Avoid ones that dig behind your knees (they’re torture).
You might not need them every day, but always wear them for long days or flights.
🦵 Before standing up
Tense and relax your leg muscles before standing — it helps blood move back up to your brain and reduces the dizziness.
A few calf raises or ankle circles can save you a near-faint.
🧊 Cool down fast, Heat up gently 🔥
Temperature swings can make PoTS flare up fast. And are an annoying side effect.
Use a fan, cool water on your wrists, or take a cold shower when you’re overheating.
When you’re cold, use a heat pack or blanket to warm up gradually. Warm baths help (not hot – this will only make the temperature swings and dizziness worse).
Layer breathable clothes so you can adjust as your body does its thing.
☕ Skip caffeine (and alcohol)
Put the Monster down, babe.
Caffeine might wake you up, but it’ll dehydrate you and make your heart race more than it already does.
And while we’re at it, avoid alcohol where possible. Side effects include dehydration, increased dizziness, worsening cardiac symptoms.
🛏️ Rest and track
Write down your symptoms, triggers, and how you feel after meals or sleep.
Schedule proper rest — not as a reward, but as a requirement.
Resting is maintenance, not failure.
When you do rest, it’s advised that you tilt your head up at an angle to help with blood flow. Obviously check with your GP first
🛁 Magnesium flakes & Epsom salts
These help with muscle tension, fatigue, and circulation.
Add them to a warm (not hot) bath, soak, and breathe.
Our Focus Pocus bath spell is perfect here — rosemary helps circulation and mental clarity, while peppermint eases fatigue, brain fog, and nausea.
We also sell packets of magnesium flakes to dump in your bath.
🍂 Learning how to Fall
It’s inevitable. At some point you will feel faint and stumble or fall.
The the best bet is to prepare to fall safely – avoiding hurting yourself on the way down.
Start researching safe ways to fall. Be that learning circus, stunt acting or watching roller/ice skating videos.
Living with PoTS
This condition sucks.
It’s unpredictable, frustrating, and sometimes downright ridiculous.
But you’re not weak for needing breaks, snacks, or salt in your juice.
You’re not lazy for sitting down when everyone else is standing.
You’re living on hard mode — and doing a damn good job at it.
If you’re going down, do it in style.
And we’ll be here to help you get back up when you’re ready. 💛
Extra Resources
POTS UK – Symptoms & Management
Dysautonomia International – Living with POTS
Heat packs – Hot & cold guides
Focus Pocus Bath Spell – Shop Now
Magnesium flakes – Shop Now
Did you know Scene Queen is a PoTS girly?
