Carve out time for play
Evolutionary biologist and animal behavioral specialist Marc Bekoff, PhD, once said that “play is training for the unexpected.” According to Stuart Brown, M.D., founder of The National Institute for Play, play is critical to the development of the human brain.
Stick to a routine
The bipolar brain thrives with routine: consistency in waking time, eating habits, work schedule, and sleep hygiene. When your brain knows what it is doing next, it’s not as stressed out, which leaves more room to figure out problems and handle other frustrations.
Sweat
Back in 400 B.C., Hippocrates wrote, “Eating alone will not keep a man well. He must also exercise.” In the past, scientists have focused on the benefits of exercise for the heart, muscles, lungs, and bones. New research is focusing on how it improves the brain: less depression, better memory, and quicker learning. Studies indicate that exercise may be an effective strategy to deal with the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.
Get consistent sleep
Sleep is the most effective thing you can do to prevent mania and keep your bipolar in check. Multiple studies have demonstrated the relationship between sleep deprivation and the risk of mania and hypomania. However, people with depression and bipolar often feel best at night so they want to stay up and compose their masterpiece or write their bestselling novel. The trick is going to bed when the rush of creativity comes, to practice good sleep hygiene when you don’t want to.
