2. Keep a Daily Schedule
When you have bipolar disorder, unpredictability can be overwhelming, which is why having a regular schedule is so important, says Naomi Torres-Mackie, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Northwell Health’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
“To keep energy stable, sticking to a daily routine can be helpful,” she says. That might mean planning mealtimes and workouts in advance, and even writing down your planned bedtime every night in a calendar to stay on track. Writing down when to take your medication can be beneficial as well, says Dr. Torres-Mackie.
Research suggests that maintaining daily routines may help stabilize moods and increase resistance against bipolar disorder relapse.
“Establishing a healthy routine can go a long way with bipolar disorder,” says Matt Glowiak, PhD, a licensed clinical professional counselor with the mental health treatment provider Recovered in New York City. “When someone is intentional and consistent with a routine, it becomes a good habit over time. While the highs and lows of bipolar disorder might occasionally compete with the routine, sticking to it becomes more consistent, even during the difficult times, as it is now part of life.”
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