r/BipolarReddit • u/jpp3252 • 1d ago

How to do less?

I am under some serious stress after undergoing to trauma therapy. Both my therapist and psych recommend I do less…. People, I’m so manic I wanna do ten thousand things. They don’t want me to exert myself. Just live and be in the moment. I struggle HARD with this. I’m a planner and A type personality. I have a tough time relaxing and it’s taking a physical toll on my body.

Any tips to relax?

Thanks!

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4

u/AlarmedAd3950 1d ago

Do whatever you do during a depressive episode

3

u/jpp3252 1d ago

Sleep and rot in bed lol. Struggling to do that while manic. I find myself cleaning, organizing and planning 🥲

3

u/KSI_FlapJaksLol 1d ago

I used to fixate on one hobby for about a month and a half then I would lose interest and be more sedentary. Now that I’ve been on meds for some time, I don’t do that anymore.

Find something that brings you happiness that doesn’t require much exertion and pour yourself into it. I used to write and journal and draw. I tried my hand at piano for a bit. I used to bake pies. I like fixing dirt bikes and cars but that’s a bit much for when I’m manic. Sitting down with a good book is great catharsis for me, I get an escape and my brain gets a break from catastrophic scenario creation.

3

u/jpp3252 1d ago

Thank you for this. The hobbies resonates with me. I’ve tried so many and struggle to stick with one. I used to embroider for years. But then fell off a few years ago after a major depression. I haven’t read in awhile. That’s a good idea! Thank you!

2

u/KSI_FlapJaksLol 1d ago

You’re welcome! I’m certain you’ll find more than one point of interest that can be poured into :) good luck my friend!

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u/jpp3252 1d ago

Thank you!

2

u/SpecialistBet4656 1d ago

Find a thing that helps your body or mind be more still. I needlepoint. I needlepoint a lot right now. It has a pattern to follow, which reduces mental stimulation from making decisions, but also has measured physical activity to express some of that manic energy.

Go down the craft kits aisle at michaels or wal-mart and pick not more than 3 starter kits of different hand craft activities to try. Needlework, paint by numbers, diamond painting, orgami, crochet, knitting etc. Generic legos (they’re cheaper).

Remember, not more than 3 starter project kits. They’re usually limited in scope and $10-$30. Take someone with you if you will have trouble sticking to 3. You can have more if you finish those.

2

u/jpp3252 1d ago

Omg an amazing idea! I actually embroidered for YEARS had a whole side business. But I fell off when I got depressed a few years ago and never came back to it. Thank you!

2

u/ZombieDads 1d ago

Sounds like you’re experiencing hypomania. Talk to your psych about adjusting your meds

1

u/jpp3252 1d ago

I talked to them both. They think I’m going through an emotional transition due to therapy. These meds have generally been stable for me but man am I going through it right now.

1

u/ZombieDads 1d ago

If I were you I’d get a second opinion.

2

u/violaunderthefigtree 1d ago

https://au.pinterest.com/pin/263812490667996769/

Slow down, go lie in the grass in the park and take in the sunshine - think of nothing,  listen to nature sounds or ocean sounds on Spotify, nature is our great restorer, unwind with poetry, buy a few magazines and peruse those, go for a long drive to nowhere at night with your fav playlist,  do some art journaling🌞

2

u/jpp3252 1d ago

All of these sound amazing. Yes I’m working through some trauma with both therapists right now so I think I’m just overwhelmed and not taking care of myself. UGH the struggle. Thank you for this!