It’s interesting thinking back to all the times when my bipolar was unstable. There are many reasons why I cycle one way or another (mania or depression), but the biggest factor (in my experience) has been my nutrition/fitness.
Here’s a little bit of background on my disorder:
- I currently take lamictal (mood stabilizer) and trazodone (antidepressant to help with insomnia) daily. I have taken almost every medication on the market, but this is what works for me right now.
- My medications help me to function and focus, which helps me to have the energy to exercise.
- My disorder affects everyone in my life, not just me. For example, my boyfriend (whom I live with) sees my mood go up and down every day, and is always the one who takes the “hit” when I am upset or depressed. He also has to deal with my mania when I am up until 4 a.m. He is extremely supportive, and he actually helps me to be more cautious of those around me.
When I am feeling manic, cardio is the best thing for me. I have a lot of energy, and usually have difficulty relaxing and sleeping, so it’s important to get my heart rate up. This way, I get rid of the energy and I am able to sleep. Plus it’s awesome, because I am able to stay fit! As opposed to depression, when it’s nearly impossible for me to exercise.
This is where yoga comes in.
Yoga has been a life-saver for me! How I got through life without it, I have no idea. I tried yoga for my first time in 2013, and not only did I feel great physically, I felt great mentally. The yoga I do is perfect because I am able to go to a “happy place” mentally, but also get my sweat on. Because of this, it’s good for when I am depressed OR manic!
I must note that it’s important to wear quality active wear when doing yoga. Too many times have I been in a class where either I was wearing see-through pants, or my yogi friends were. Not cool. You want to be comfortable during yoga, so wearing clothes that fit well is really important too. I make sure to wear Katie K Active all-inclusive active wear during all my workouts! The pants, shorts, and shirts are soft, cute, moisture-wicking, and not see through! 😉
Visit KatieKActive.com and use code LYNDSAY25 for 25% off your order + FREE shipping (I receive a portion of purchases made using my code)! The shorts are brand new this spring/summer (2016) and they’re amazing.
How Yoga Has Helped My Bipolar:
I stated what fitness I like to do for bipolar, but I’ll get a little more vulnerable with how it’s helped me. I’ve been doing yoga recently and truly found a passion for it, so that’s my fitness of choice. I know for many people with bipolar, yoga isn’t enough– they need that fast-paced cardio. But for me, it’s perfect, no matter the mental state I’m in.
Since starting yoga, my moods have been more stable. Usually I am extreme one way or the other, but it’s sort of like yoga is my daily way to stay within the “normal” range (whatever normal is for you). When I start my day with yoga, I have a fabulous day! I feel calm, centered, happy, and clear. I feel awesome because I got my exercise in, but I also feel awesome because my mind feels clear and free.
By adding in yoga with a healthy diet, I have learned to better control and manage my bipolar disorder. It’s a difficult disorder to manage, but I cannot stress enough how important nutrition and fitness are for overall, optimal health.
- What is your favorite fitness?
- Have you noticed a change in your mental health through your healthy, active lifestyle?
May is Mental Health Month.
Thank you for reading!
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