regulating bi-polar with exercise & food

  • I was diagnosed with bi-polar about 4 years ago. It has been a struggle, especially with my food/body issues. Everybody knows that if you're depressed, you want a chocolate bar & you want it NOW. But I've found out that I can have that chocolate bar. I eat really healthy, have a treat when my mood really calls for it, & move on. Nothing huge that will in turn affect my mood. Just something. And I have a cup of green tea while exercising every morning before I shower. Fun stuff, like belly-dancing(watching yourself in a mirror is a great way to feel womanly, seeing all those curves moving about) or hoola-hooping, etc.

    It shows me I can have control, & keeps me up-beat, or at least not low-beat, for most of the day.

    Do what works for you, & let yourself be human. Mistakes & curves & all of that great stuff! Denying anything, especially yourself, won't help anybody dealing with your mood swings.

    Feel free to add your tips!
  • I second exercise as being a great mood stabilizer. I feel so calm and good after a run.

    As for eating, I try to eat as many vegetables as possible & I limit the grains/starches. I don't know if that stabilizes my mood, but I've noticed that too much sugary and starchy food make me feel more depressed.