How I Get Myself Moving
Easier said than done. Diagnosed with bi-polar 7 years ago ~ Of course, it has a lot to do with going to college for 5 years since thinking that it would keep me busy and out of bed. NOT!! I took a year off before finishing one more year. Most of the time I was on the couch reading books, watching TV with fatigue you wouldn't believe. After a long winter and having spring here with the needed sunshine, I started to think HOW, even with an excellent cocktail of meds ~ How?
What Helps Me Keep Going Once I Get Started
The hardest part was to get started BIG TIME. My mother-in-law asked me to go out for breakfast for the last two weeks and it helped to get me started. I visited a friend who lives a half of a mile away who is now retired or she wouldn't have time. We started walking together for a mile and we started at 7:30. With the energy gear kicked in, I try to keep busy with outdoor things and not to go overboard or I would go manic. I take breaks and rest my mind or take relaxation exercises. I need to be mindful, write notes to myself what needs to be done, and if it is not done, do it tomorrow. I found it's best not to talk about negative things, and it helps the spirit to take off on the runway and fly with a bandaged wing knowing that I will get better!! I will, I will.
Lessons Learned
- I go see a therapist once a week; helps a great deal!
- I started go to a dietitian six months ago and see her every four weeks to weigh and talk about healthy foods. I lost an average of 3 pounds a month and that is okay! Better than get manic weighing on the scale everyday and starving myself and gain it back; yo-yo is not good. Not only that, but learned to eat the right foods that keeps me full and not manically crave for junk food.
- Enjoy small, simple things for a spirit pick-up: sunshine, looking for morels, berries, hearing birds sing, etc. Mindfulness helps.
- Take breaks.
- Find a nice friend or relative for a walk or out for coffee or breakfast to start the day. Don't go by yourself ~ that is worse (by my trial and error).
- Take notes.
- Do 3 house duties a day (pick your own number). Keep in mind cleanliness\priority ~ toilets, refrigerator, etc.
What are the short-term benefits?
I am slowly decorating my house like I used to do ~ Martha Stewart style. I started slowly and I found myself doing a little multitasking to my utmost surprise because before I would have sighed and lie down with books & TV. Breaks are important or I will wear myself out.
What are the long-term benefits?
Good health, clear mind of fogginess, seemed to rise above the abyss of depression or bipolar. I still have to take meds which I hate because I think it is causing the fatigue, weight gain, and fogginess. But finally, I think it is mind over matter ~ hopefully that does the trick.
What else have you found that would help others?
Say no. I had the two grandsons for 5 months ~ the spirit was willing but not my mind or body. It was hard to do things from the couch and I felt guilty not being able to get up and go without being tired, weighed down, kinda like a horse that couldn't wait to get back to the stable after a ride.
