Developing Good Habits: The Key to Maintaining Your Mental Health
5 healthy habits to help manage bipolar disorder.
Hi there!
In the early days of my bipolar journey, I was all over the place.
I would sleep only when I felt tired, sometimes not for days, at other times, 20 hours in one day. I ate when I felt motivated and as much as I wanted. It varied from a handful of grapes to an entire pizza.
Exercise was nonexistent most days, but when inspiration struck, I’d go to the walking track and walk for four hours.
The best step I took toward stability was to create good habits. I found routines that worked for me, and then stuck to them like one of those suckerfish on the side of a shark.
You’ve probably heard the saying that “motivation gets you started, but habit keeps you going.” This is definitely true when it comes to developing healthy habits for your mental health.
When you first decide to make a change in your life, it’s easy to be motivated and excited about the new goal. However, maintaining this motivation over time can be difficult if you don’t have a habit to keep you going.
In this story, we will discuss five habits that can help improve your mental health and manage bipolar disorder.
“Motivation is what gets your started. Habit it what keeps you going.”
- Jim Ryun
Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.
1. Sleep
The first habit is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to get a full night’s sleep every night. For most people, that means eight hours, but many do very well with just six or seven. Find what works best for you and make that your goal.
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