These have been my saviours in keeping my stress levels down.
1) Don't lose your sleeping pattern.
I write this as I have been unable to go to work now because of coronavirus. I have a normal cold and flu but I have been told to stay home, understandably. What I realised was due to not working, I lost my routine and I started staying up later at nights - watching videos etc. I noticed this behaviour and started enforcing 8 hours of sleep for me.
Lack of sleep is one of the markers for mania and can send you manic. I'll link some interesting sleep research at the bottom of the article if you want to read a bit more about it.
2) Eat healthy foods.
Chances are you are home more, therefore eating more because you're bored so make sure you have lots of fruits around you to enjoy. Now that you probably have a bit more time on your hands you can try cooking a bit more. Ginger is good to boost your immune system.I will link to easy recipes you can make at home at the bottom of the article!
3) Keep on doing the things that make you happy.
This is different for everyone - for me, I need to be socialising with people everyday for me to not feel down. I struggled as I am social distancing the past few days but recently I started being a part of online communities - video-calling my friends and reading other people's posts and videos.
This made it feel a lot better for me. I hope it does for you too, If you don't have anyone to talk to, you can message me using the chat here and I will reply or you can look at some facebook communities. Memes have really been helping me personally.
4) Keep moving!
Don't fall below your minimum standard of movement. It's not safe in public spaces but I can still go for a walk around the block. One of my friend's on Instagram posted new dance moves she learnt through youtube. You can also follow exercises on instagram. Or you can just walk around the house.
I have just been doing like 20 situps, 20 squats and some walking. I know that's not much but I feel better than when I don't do it. I am the laziest person and If I can do it so can you.
Make challenges with people in your friend chats and commit to doing little things that make you move - it's fun and freee :)
5) Shower everyday, make yourself feel beautiful.
It's quite easy to get stuck in a rut, you sleep in more, shower less, eat irregularly and sometimes don't even have the energy to get out of bed. This is more of a spiritual one. I know you're just chilling at home but sometimes doing your hair, nails and make-up nice can help you feel a lot better.
6) Get creative!
Us bipolar people have creativity pouring out of our souls. Now is a great time to get creative in whatever you do - restyling your room, writing poetry, creating a new sketch or painting or editing pictures, making memes or baking foods. For me writing this blog serves that purpose also. Use this time to make something beautiful and share it with the world. I would love to see what you create! post down below or email it to bipolar.heyitskan@gmail.com and I will create a gallery out of all of them :)
Useful links
Research on Sleep:
Cheap, Health, Easy Recipes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZB32syI0FFtThd6xkPTRrg
Let's get inspired and stay on top of it! love you all xx
Disclaimer
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of mania or feel concerned, contact your GP or call the Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511. In the case of an emergency, call 000.
leave your email below so you never miss a post :(:
Comments