Bipolar disorder, along with many other mood disorders, really take a toll on everyday life.
Exaggerated irritation and anger, quickly falling into a depressive state, severe anxiety, and everything in between make it hard to form stable relationships with family and friends, and it's hard for them to understand.
Sometimes, medication keeps you from slipping over the deep end, but it's not always the whole solution. Your emotions and pains still linger, and you feel stuck. I've found 10 things that have kept my mind and body busy while I continue to understand my BPD.
1. Exercise
It's hard to commit to keeping yourself active and healthy when you're constantly swinging between moods, and it's not a whole fix. But I've found that when I can feel myself becoming a little too angry, or a little too sad, forcing myself to get some squats and planks in really channel my emotional energy. And it doesn't have to be the same boring and standard workouts. It can be taking a hike, talking your dogs for a walk, going out to a park and kicking around a soccer ball or playing a sport with some friends, or even an hour of playing Just Dance (oldie but goodie, I play with my younger sister and sweat up a storm). Anything to keep you active, and keeping your mind focused.
2. Arts and Crafts
Also sounds a little lame, but keeping your hands and mind busy is important. Personally, I've found that jewelry making (bracelets, necklaces, etc.,) is calming. Piecing together crystals and beads help me channel my creative side while coping with various mood swings. It takes some time to find your niche if you don't have one already, but the journey is just as fun. Drawing, painting, sculpting, building, designing, sewing, writing... the possibilities for creativity are endless. Exercising your patience and creativity are a great way to find some peace.
3. Changing the Schedule
Routine is great, but sometimes you need a break. Tedious work days and schedules tend to become irritating and boring, and can sometimes trigger some powerful emotions. A break from the monotone agenda can be as easy as changing up your daily coffee spot or discovering new music on your way to work. This can also mean finding local events and activities that interest you or seem new. Most cafes will host open mic nights, where you can see local talent. Anywhere from comedy, to poetry, to musicians, it's an awesome way to get out and see new things without spending lots of money. It's also a great way to support small businesses and your community. Local art galleries also offer some variety, where you can stroll quietly with your headphones in and examine the world around you. It's important to find something that inspires you and keeps your life colorful.
4. Meditation/Yoga
Also cliche, but a great way to unwind. The great thing about yoga and meditation is that there are endless varieties that can be modified or customized for each individual. Mediation is a practice that takes just that, but offers great results. You might even discover something about yourself! I had discovered that, during body scan meditations, I begin to see colors as I scan my body, like I am slowly covering my body in a blanket of rainbow colors. It's calming, yet exciting. Yoga is also a great way to get in some unique exercise, or to unwind after you awake, after the day or before bed. Yoga takes patience and you're encouraged to listen to your body. Taking the time to listen to yourself can carry into your everyday life, where you'll learn to read your body and give yourself some care.
5. Volunteer/Humanitarian Work
Although this takes some time commitment and may involve more interaction than you'd like, finding some way to give back to your community and groups in need is a great way to keep busy while being able to do some good for yourself. Food pantries, homeless shelters and animal shelters are always looking for donations and volunteer work. Even if your commitment is cleaning out your unused cans of soups once of month and donating them to your local pantry, or giving up old clothing, it's a great way to take some you time and still give back. Local animal shelters are great to work at because they take little person to person interaction and open up some more therapy time with animals. Dogs and cats create great companions and often soothe those who are stressed. It's also a great way to give that animal some well-needed attention and even form special bonds. Giving back is healing, and will teach you a lot about your community and those in need.
Theres plenty more that you could do, but it's all about finding a fit. Trying new things is scary and stressful, but it's important to remember that you deserve to feel good. On days when the medication may not be enough, having a backup plan could be the difference between a good day and a disastrous day. Happy healing!
