Relaxation
Relaxation is completely underrated and is scientifically proven to reduce stress in the body. It takes practice but there are many ways to learn and it is about finding what works for you.
- Lie down on your back or on your side.
- One option is to think of an image that calms you — a sunset or a place that makes you happy.
- My personal favorite is telling each part of my body to relax, focusing on each limb and wait until I feel a tingling sensation.
Food and Nutrition
A balanced view of food is about eating all food groups in moderation. We need carbohydrates, fats and protein and our choices should reflect color. Lots of vegetables, fruit and nutritious snacks.
Food is not just about enjoyment, it is fueling our bodies so our minds can work to their maximum capability. Ideally we need to be eating three meals a day with two snacks, drinking lots of water and avoiding lots of caffeine.
It is incredibly important to focus on what we put inside our bodies because it is instrumental to managing bipolar disorder.
Exercise
I could preach about gym classes, yoga, Pilates, running, or any other exercise but in all honesty they feel exhausting to think about.
Exercising is about moving your body according to your capability. If you don't feel like you have the energy for vigorous exercise, go for a walk — but choose somewhere with nice scenery or somewhere you like so it is motivating and brings enjoyment.
If you feel up to it, join a class and don't beat yourself up over what you can and can’t do. Stay at the back if you like and remember why you are there. It is about creating endorphins, lifting your mood and doing it for yourself, nobody else.
Connecting With People
We all know how introverted we can become when our illness hits. Connecting with others enables us to manage our illness in the better times which can prevent unstable episodes.
- Try to spend less time alone.
- It is OK to communicate through social networks, but connecting with people face to face is so important.
- Phone a friend you haven't spoken to in a long time.
- Arrange a visit with someone you love to hang around with.
- Organize a weekly coffee morning with friends or family.
- Join an activity group with local services, such as creative writing or drama.
Doing Things for Enjoyment
What do you love to do? It is not selfish to think about yourself and what motivates you.
- Reading a few pages or your favorite book.
- Watching your favorite films.
- Shopping.
