Hi,
Did you realize that physical and mental health go together? They do. In order to have all-around health, you need to be completely balanced. That means you need to be balanced: Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and even financially… Personally, at work, at church or wherever you worship, in your community, and in the home… In all your relationships, including how you feel about yourself. That’s a lot of balancing to do, isn’t it?
The main thing to remember is that your health involves both physical AND mental health,
whether you have bipolar disorder or are just supporting someone who does. I particularly tell people who have bipolar disorder that they have to take care of their physical health as well as their disorder.
An article in Reader’s Digest recently puts it this way: Body plus Mind plus Spirit equals Your
Actual Age. Have you ever seen those older people who seem to have a whole lot more energy than you do? It’s because they’re taking care of themselves. One of the things they’ve learned how to do is to manage their stress. Over time, chronic stress can be very unhealthy. Jassica Payne, MA, Ph.D., says, “When you learn to manage your stress, you’re more likely to stay healthy and reduce your risks for heart disease or stroke.” Even your doctor will tell you that!
One way to do it, according to this article, is to become aware of your stress, anxiety, or anger
symptoms, such as a racing heart or feeling hot, sweaty, or flushed. Then slow your heart rate by slowing your breathing: inhale for three slow seconds, hold it for three seconds, exhale all the way, and repeat. Next time you feel stressed, try this method – it should help you!
I definitely recommend relaxation exercises, including breathing exercises like the one I just told you about, to people who have bipolar disorder, to help them keep their stress levels down, and supporters need to do it too. Supporters have just as much stress as survivors do!
Another thing you need to do to stay healthy, whether you are the one with bipolar disorder or the supporter, is to eat a healthy diet. These days we hear a lot about lowering our cholesterol, but there are other things you should be aware of as well. Dr. Payne suggests a diet of lean meat and poultry, fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to help maintain a healthy weight. You can reduce your portions by using a smaller plate. Make sure to have at least one fruit and one vegetable in your diet per day.
You should also be exercising. But exercising does not necessarily mean working out in a gym strenuously seven days a week. Even walking on your street just three times a week will work, as long as you do it consistently. And this is something you can do with your loved one, so it shows support to them as well, and will keep them exercising.
Remember, it is just as important to keep your physical health as it is your mental health.
Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave