Bipolar? What are Your Stress Relievers?
Published: Sun, 09/12/10
Hi ,
How's it going?
Hope you are doing well.
I wanted to tell you something. I am having some issues
with the system that sends the bipolar daily emails.
I may have to only send them three times a week
via email but post them online at my blog every
day.
The blog is at:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/bipolarsupporterblog
I am working on the problem but it might take a month
or so to get worked out.
So if you don't get an email, check the blog.
There have been times lately that I have
been really stressed out about a few things.
It's gotten me thinking.
Do we handle stress the way we should?
I started to realize after thinking about it
for a while that there are two ways to
handle stress: natural ways and good ways.
The natural ways aren't always horrible
(although sometimes they are.)
But the good ways are always healthy.
I've seen some people reach for caffeine
when they're stressed.
Natural, and not horrible, but probably not
the best thing either (especially if your
nerves are already on end.)
I've seen some people reach for sugar
and carbs when they're stressed.
Unless they happen to be one of those
lucky few with a really high metabolism,
this can be devastating to their weight and
their health - especially if they do it often.
But, it does get worse than that.
Some people, when stressed, will reach
for alcohol or drugs.
Some people when they're stressed will
engage in risky behavior.
I've heard of people with bipolar who are
stressed decide that their medications
must not be working, and just cut them off!
I've heard of supporters who are stressed
get so frustrated that they either blow up
on their loved ones, or just leave!
(Or both!)
Stress can serve to exasperate the symptoms
of bipolar disorder.
It doesn't do a whole lot for the supporters,
either.
And when both the loved one and the
supporter are stressed, they (naturally)
tend to bump heads a lot.
All this sounds like bad news, huh?
Well, there's good news, too.
We don't have to stick to the natural
when it comes to stress.
There are ways we can relieve stress that
are good for us.
Taking breaks, for example.
There are times when taking a break from
a situation can make all the difference in
the world.
Sometimes you have to schedule those
breaks in ahead of time, and then force
yourself to follow the schedule.
It's not always easy to get a break.
This is especially true if you are a parent.
At that point, you may have to plan an
activity or event which your children can
do with little or no supervision.
Make sure it's one that will keep them
entertained, or your break will be short-
lived!
Another good thing we can do when
stressed is to make a point to eat correctly.
Catch yourself reaching for the caffeine
or the carbs, and instead reach for a piece
of fruit or some whole-grain carbs.
This will make you feel physically better,
which will help your stress levels.
It will also give you something to be proud
of yourself for.
Then, find a positive activity to help you
relieve some stress.
This can be anywhere from a relaxing and
meditative activity (such as yoga) all the
way to a strenuous activity (such as running
or weight lifting.)
It needs to be something that you enjoy
doing, and that you will feel more relaxed
and/or energized after doing it.
There are many, many other positive
ways to reduce and deal with stress.
Can you name two or three of them?
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Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
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